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THE] 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



COMPILED AND ARRANGED BY ORDER OF 



THE STATE DOAIII) OF IMMIORATIO.^ AM) AORICULTIRE. 



BY E. G. WALL, COMMISSIONEK. 



18 7 9. 



JACKSON, MISS.: 
Ci.ARioiij Steam Printing Establishment. 



1879. 



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C. B. RICHARD & CO. 

9^0. 61 ^voah\va\i ' 

etabltrt 1847. 
flfii .n litem Ortf (inroKaV " '^ '"** '2lint,cjf„„, 

Grofraung oun Grebitc, i?i feutfd,ranb. 



THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION ^ WANTS. 

COMPILED AND ARRANGED BY ORDER OF 



THE 8TATE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION AND A(iRIClLTURE. 



BY E. G. WALL, COMMISSIONER. 



187 9. 



JACKSON, MISS.: 
Clarion Steam Printing Estaiu.isiimknt. 

1S79. 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, 



ITS RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



The following general outline of Uie resource?!, eonclilion and 
wants of the State of ^lississii)})! has been prepared, in order to 
draw public attention to facts which, it is believed, if known, 
would result in turning in the airection of that State a part of the 
enterprise which has benefitted many of ihc sister States, and in- 
duce the immigration, both foreign antl domestic, which is so much 
needed there. 

The writer has endeavored to base his statements upon the solid 
foundation of facts, knowing that it is only from a truthful presen- 
tation that good can come to the State. It is anticipated that full 
and accurate statistics will soon be published under the authority of 
the State, 'but meantime this pamphlet is [)resentod to the i)ublir in 
the hope that interest will be awakened. 

TlIK AUEA OF TIIIC STATE 

Is 47.15b square miles, or 30,179,840 acres. The following state- 
ment will prove interesting, as showing the number of farms in 
the State at the times named, the number of acres comprised in 
theser tarms, and the quantity improved : 



Years. Xo. of Farms. 


Xo. of Acres. 


Amount Improved. 


Average Size of 


:' 






Farm. 


1850 33,900 


10,500,000 


3,445,000 


3(1!) 


1860 42,840 


15,840,000 


5,065,000 


370 


1870 08,023 


13,121,000 


4.20[),000 


1!)3 



CLIMATK. 

The climate of lilississippi is genial a:id salubrious in general. 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Its territory extends north from the sea coast, about five degrees, 
and embraces a varied temperatufe. The summers are long and 
warm, but rarely reach the extreme heat felt in the North, East and 
Northwest. The evenings and nigiits are pleasantly cool in conse- 
quence of never-failing breezes from the Gulf. The winters are 
short and mild. In the extreme northern part of the State ice is 
seldom seen moi-e thnn one infh thick, and in the southern part, 
killing frosts are very rare. 

The Rev. Dr. Johnson, makes the following statement: 

"I vvas born and reared in Western North Carolina, on the table 
lands of the Blue Ridge. I came to Mississippi in 1S49, and have 
lived here ever since. In have enjoyed almost uninterrupted good 
healtii. I have never had a chill, or an attack of any disease that 
I might not liavc had anyv^here else. I liave worked by day and 
night, indoors and outdooi's. I have traveled extensively over the 
State at every season of the year, especial^ in the summer, and 
my general health ])as been as good as if [ had been breathing 
mountain air. JM}^ family, nine in number, suffer no incouveuieuce 
from the climate. My children arc as robust, healthy and active as 
any family of children yon will find in the Northwest. I have luid 
under my control, for eleven years [)ast, a large number of ^-oung 
persons, two hundred or niorc, and over one hundred under ra_y o\v)i 
roof for several years. They have come from North Carolina 
Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas, and 
their health has been as good as similar collections of 3-oung per. 
sons in Northern States. During the time there have been only 
four deaths." 

General West, in kis report on the State of Mississippi in 187C,. 
sars: 

" The climate of ^Mississippi is 'the happ}' medium,' vviiere tlie 
products of tlie North and South meet, grow and mature in har- 
mony T,ith the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. No 
country is more regularly irrigated by rain falls, or better supplied 
with aqueous vai)or than Mississippi. (See p. 7.) The moisture 
and humidity so necessary to the life and growth of vegetation are 
borne from the warm bosom of the Gulf stream, and from various 
rivers, and diffused througliout her borders. Her lands are so 
varied in their physical formation, location and production, as to 
suit all classes and conditions of society,*' 

SOIL. 

Tlie soil of Mississippi in general is fertile, and us subsoil is 



Rf:SOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



good and well adapted to sustain the surface and contribute to 
large productiveness. No lands will yield more, and Ijettcr repay 
thorough tillage and careful husbandry. The alluvium, of which 
the State has an immense quantity', is equal to any in its power of 
production. The upland soil of the Walnut Hills, black prairies, 
•marl slopes and limestone intervals, possess great richness, and 
even the Black Jack Ridges, post-oak flats, pine plains, sand hills 
and white sands of the sea coast, can be made to produce remuner- 
ative crops under skillful and careful tillage. 

There has been, however, considerable deterioration in the fer. 
tilit}^ of some portions of the State, a large area having been 
nllowed to wash, and a still larger having been abandoned for new 
land. There has been too much laud available for cultivation for 
the population, and after a few years of imperfect tillage, the peo- 
ple have ai)andonod their fields and cleared fresh ones. Agricul- 
tural work is done, gencrall}', in a very unskillful manner, with 
mules unfit for work, nnd with inferior implements. The soil is 
scratched over, ami the planters get out of it all the}' can, never 
troubling themselves, however, to return to the soil even a small 
portion of what it yields. The fact that moderate crops are pro- 
duced under such conditions, i)lainly demonstrates the natural fer- 
tilit}' of the soil. A considerable portion of this abandoned land 
is susceptible of rapid and eas}' improvement, by the use of lime 
and marl, of which the State has almost an unlimited supply, 
Professor Hilgard (formerly State Geologist) writes, with reference 
to one of these deposits of marl, as follows : 

"The marl beds of Byram, on the Great Jackson, about 172 
miles from New Orleans, contain millions of tons of marl, which is 
admirably adapted to the pine land soil along the line. It has 
above 44 per cent, of lime, OGll of {)otash, 34.720 of carbonic 
acid." 

Cotton seed, of whicli the State i)roduces annually from 200,000 
to 250,000 tons, clover, and above all, cowpeas, may all be used to 
restore the soil to its natural fertility'. 1 experimented this year on 
about twenty-five acres of the so-called worn out lands, and with the 
use of thirty bushels of cotton seed to the acre, I have now the 
linest oat field that probably can be found in the State. 

Every i)ortion of tlie State is well watered by clear, running 
streams, and by numerous rivers (lowing tiirougii broad, alluvial 
bottom lands. 

The northern [tortion of the State is linel;, wooded. lias a rolling 



STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



surface, and the soil produces very abundantly. The valley lands 
are, however, the most productive and durable. There is a large 
section of prairie in the eastern part of the State, extending 
through several counties. The prairie soil is a dark, heavy loam 
and of surpassing fertility. It is deeply impregnated with Hire, 
and produces cotton, grains and grasses in great perfection. Com- 
mencing ftbout fifty miles below the mouth of the Yazoo river, in- 
clining to the interior for about one hundred miles in a li«e gently 
circling through the center, thence diverging northwest to the 
State line, is as fine a sweep of country as any to be found, with 
soil of the most productive character and unequaled facilities for 
market. The southwest, and country above it, is the oldest set- 
tled portion of the State. The soil there is rich, and the popula- 
tion was wealthy before the war. The land in the south and south- 
east is mixed; some of it poor and medium, and some very rich, but 
all well suited to stock-raising and fruit-growing, and possessing man}' 
of the pleasant characteristics of a pastoral countr3\ That por- 
tion of the State bordering on the Gulf, with its bathing facilities,, 
mineral waters, fish, 03'sters, delicious fruic, audits pleasant Sum- 
mer resorts, is becoming to the South what Cape May and Long 
Branch are to the North. Back from the sea coast the land is cov- 
ered by pine forests, which are being used largel}' for lumber and 
naval purposes. The other grand division of the State is known 
as the valley of the Yazoo and Mississippi rivers, and is 170 miles 
long and 50 miles wide, containing about 700 sq.uare miles, or 
4,000,000 acres, of which about one-tenth is in cultivation. These 
lands are of the richest alluvial deposits of wonderful fertilit}', 
with immense forests of valuable timber of almost endless variet}^ 
The rain fall in the State is considerably over the average of most 
of the other States, as will appear from the following statement, 
taken from the U. S. Census Tables for 1870: 



Ivanras, 

Texas, 

Indian Territory. 

Maine, 

New York, 

Pennsylvania, 

Virginia, 

Ohio, 

Indiana, 

Illinois, 



20 to 32 inches in rain. 



'■32 to 44 inches of rain. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



Kentucky, ~~| 

Tennessee . . U4 to 50 indies of rain. 

About halt of Jlississippi, ( 
About half of Alabama, J 

About half of Mississipui, ) r,, ., , „, ,. ,. •„ ,, , ,,,.,,. 
, , . , 1.. ,. X . . ' ' - 00 inches ol lain mul over. 
About halt ot Louisiana, | 

PUICK OF LAND. 

Tlic price of land now, as compared with that prevai i ij; before 
the war, has vastly decreased. Land that then sold for lioin $15 to 
S75 per acre, can now be had for from $5 to $15. There is but a 
small demand, but a few thousand emigrants will soon double the 
present value. There are improved lands all around 'his place 
(Brookhaven), which can be bought for from 810 to $15 per acre, 
and which, witii proper cultivation and a favorable season, would 
produce to the acre three-quarters of a bale of cotton, 25 bushels 
corn, 35 to 45 bushels oats, 75 to 150 bushels Irish potatoes, or 
nearlj' double the quantit}' of sweet potatoes. These lands are 
adjacent to the railroad, town, church and schools. Lands at some 
distance from the railroad can be had for from $5 to $10 per acre. 
In many cases the improvements on these lands are worth the 
money. Wood-lands lor pasture can be bought for from $2 50 to 
$5 per acre, according to locality, and the timber will l)e valuable 
in the course of a few years. 

The same remarks apply to nearly- all portions ot the State. 
Reference is made hereafter to the prices of public lands. The 
State has also several millions of acres of land that has been for- 
feited for taxes, and this can bo purchased at very moderate rates. 

rUODUCTIONS. 

These are as varied as the climate, the sr.il, and the surface of 
the State. Tiiey include all the cereals, vegetables and fruit ot the 
temperate zone. All the most important textile productions, such 
as cotton, flax, ramie, jute and wot)l, and even silk, can be raised 
to great perfection. Wheat, corn, rice and tobacco grow well, and 
with intelligent culture would become staples of great importance. 
Irish and sweet potatoes, all garden vegetables, and fruits of every 
kind yield abundantly. Grasses do linelv. Sugar-cane is raised 
successfullv for tlie production of molasses, and vine culture begins 
to attract great attention, and the manufacture of wine i)romises to 
become one of the industries of the pine woods region, it being well 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



adapted for the growth of the vine. All the semi-tropical and sev- 
eral of the tropical products grow well. 

FEUIT AND VEGETABLES. 

The Eev. H. F. Johnson, D, D., Principal of the Young Ladies' 
Seminary at Brookhaven, Miss., writes as fellows, under date of 
Aprils, 1878: 

"I am not a farmer, but I pay considerable attention to garden- 
"ing. To show what can be done with unskilled labor, I will state 
"that I had beets (for my family of about 130) over two weeks 
"ago — sa}^ as early as March 24th. They were planted in October, 
"and grew without protection. M}' crop, planted in January', will 
"soon be large enough to eat. I have had radishes, lettuce, onions 
"and turnips as early as March 7th, that were planted in January- 
"My Irish potatoes and cabbages will soon be ready for the table. 
"In fact, if my family were small, I would use Irish potatoes now, 
"and the same as to English peas. Strawberries, rasberries, grapes, 
"peaches, apples, plums and pears do well. Blackberries and figs 
"grow by the million." 

During the last two years more attention has been paid to the 
cultivation of vegetables and fruit, and the result has been so satis- 
factory that there appears a great disposition to largely develop this 
branch of production. 

Between Terry and Beauregard there are about 500,000 peach 
trees.- Within two yeais from now it is calculated these Avill yield 
an average of at least one bushel per tree. If only one-half of this 
(juantit}^ was shipped, there would be at least 250,000 bushels. 

There have been planted this year — 

Thirty-six acres of strawberries at Madison, 
Thirty " " at Crystal Springs, 

Ten " •' at Hazlehurst, 

And several more acres planted in small lots elsewhere. 

The cultivation of Irish potatoes is drawing great attention, as 
well as that of tom-^toes, cucumber.s, beans, spinach, etc. One gen- 
tleman alone expects to raise this season 3,000 bushels Irish pota- 
toes, 500 bushels tomatoes and cucumbers. 

Peaches ripen from the 20th of May to the 1st of June; Straw- 
berries from ihe 1st to the 20th of April; Irish potatoes from the 
25th of April to the 1st of May; Tomatoes from the 20th of May 
to the 1st of June; Peas from the 1st to the 10th of April. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



LUMIJlCn. 

Tlie pine belt proper embraces a verv considerable part of the 
area of the St te, and yields the finest quality of yellow or pitch 
pine. When it is considered that according to the best authorities 
the aceessil)le timber of the great pine region of the North-west 
will be exhausted within the next ten years, the value of this great 
pine bult becomes enormous, and considerable cai)ital is alicady 
engaged in this business with remunerative results. 

Gen. A. ]M. West, in his I'cpo'.t on the State of ^Mississippi, in 
1876, sa^-s: 

"The great (orestof long leaf pines covers more than one-third 
"of the area of the State. It covers a lar^e district cast and west 
"of Pearl River, extending to the Gull". This vast forest, taking 
"into view the quality and use of the wood, the inexhaustible sup 
"ply, the great height and si/ce of the trees, is an enormous store of 
"undeveloped wealth. There is no other such pine forest to be 
"found in the world. As fur back as 175:5, France supplied her 
"navy with masts and spars from this forest. Nowhere else could 
"trees of such size and height be obtaine(l. Tliis immense forest is 
"penetrated by numerons water-courses, which are capable of float- 
"iug the timber to the gulf coast for a distance of 60 to 100 miles. 
"It stands next to coal for fuel in factories and machine shops; yields 
'"turpentine more abundantly than nny other species of the pine, 
"and is the material most in use for building houses and railroads." 

STOCK UAISING. 

On this subj'jct I cannot do better than give you the following 
remarks of Col. Hill^-ard: 

"Regarding the advantages and cai)abilities of this State for 
"stock-ra'sing, nothing could bo more authoritative than the foUow- 
*'ing resolution, passed by the National Association of Short-IIorn 
"Growers, at the late Convention in St. Louis, whicii was olfered by 
"its former venoral)le President, Dr. Stevenson, and whieh formula- 
"tcd his investigations on that subject in this State. 'I^eaolcaf, 
"That the idea too common that short-horn cattle cannot be bred 
"successfully in our Southern States is erroneous; but i>m tiu; eontrary 
"that the climale anil the grass and grain products are well adapted 
"to the growlh and breeding of improved breeds of cattle, and that 
"their eiiea[) laud, and their clear and uncultivated fields offer a fine 
"and proiitable opportunity for herds of short-horn c:ittle.' The 
"resolution was unanimously adopted." 



10 



STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



Sheep-raising offers a source of profit unsurpassed in any State. 
All breeds can be raised in perfect health, almost without feed and 
care, and the yield of wool is of fine quality. The raising of lambs 
for early markets, West and North, of itself alone opans a new and 
remunerative field of pursuit. 

In conclusion. Col. Hill^'ard sa3's : 

"It is almost impossible to exaggerate the abundance and beauty 
'•of the creeks and rivulets in various parts of the State — the for- 
"mer clear and unfailing, and many of them well stocked with fish, 
"the latter translucent and perennial." 

Any description of the products of this State that did not bestow 
a word upon the flowers would do an injustice to the climate, and 
disappoint the expectations of alUoversof the beautiful. But who 
can enumerate them, or what pen portra_v their glories? 

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS IN 1850, ISoO AND 1870. 



ARTICLES. 



Value of Home Manufactures.. 
" of Animals Slaughtered. 

" of all Live Stock 

Number of Horses 

'• of Mules 

" of Milch Cows 

" of working Oxen , 

" of other Cattle 

" of Sheep 

" of Swine 

Spring Wheat, bus-hcls 

Winter Wheat, bushels 

Rye, bushels 

Corn, bushels 

Oats, bushels 

Other Grains, bushels 

Rice, pounds 

Tobacco, pounds 

Cotton, bales 

Wool, pounds 

Peas and Beans--, bushels .., 

Irish Potatoes, bushels 

Sweet Potatoes, bushels 

Wine, gallons 

Butter, pounds 

Cheese, ])o unds 

Hay, tons . 

Molasses, gallons 

Honey, pounds 

Wax, pounds 



1850. 



S 1,161,000 

3,636,000 

19,404,000 

115,000 

54,000 

214,000 

85,000 

436,000 

304,000 

1,582,000 



137,000 

9,000 

22,500.000 

1,503,000 

1,350 

2,720,000 

50,000 

484,000 

560,000 

1,072,000 

261,000 

4,742,000 

400 

4,346,000 

21,000 

12,500 

18,0110 

400,000 



1860. 



$1,382,000 
7,809,000 

41,900,000 
118,000 
111,000 
208,000 
105,000 
416.000 
352,000 
1,552,000 



1, 



588,000 

39,00(1 

29,057,000 

221,000 

3,600 

809,000 

160,000 

,202,000 

666,000 

1,955,000 

414,000 

4,563,000 

7,500 

5,006,000 

4,500 

32,000 

10,000 

708,000 

42,000 



1870. 



^ 505,000 

4,090,000 

29,940,000 

90,000 

86,000 

174,000 

58,000 

269,000 

232,000 

814,001) 

67,000 

208,000 

15,000 

15,658,000 

414,000 

5,700 

375,000 

61 ,000 

564,000 

288,000 

176,000 

214,000 

1,744,000 

3.000 

2,614,000 

3,000 

8,500 

22,000 

200,000 

10,000 



KESOllRCES, CONDITION AND WANTS 



11 



COTTON PUODUCTION IN MISSISSll'l'I AND LOUISIANA. 





MISSISSIPPI. 


LOUISIANA. 


Years?. 




1 








Acreage. 


No. of Bales. 


Acreage. 


No. of Bales. 


1869-70 


1,644,000 


500,000 


920,000 


425,000 


1870-71 


], 660,000 


650,000 


1,100,000 


600,000 


1871-72 


1,490,000 


495,000 


960,000 


396,000 


1872-73 


1,650,000 


625,000 


1,010,000 


520,000 


1873-74 


1,900,000 


675,000 1 


1,100,000 


510,000 


1874-75 


1,880,000 


550,000 1 


1,150,000 


520,000 


1875-76 


1,900,000 


670,000 i 


1,250,000 


650,00!) 


1876-77 


1,920,000 


639,000 1 


1,215,000 


578,000 



MANUFACTURING STATISTICS TAKE"? FROM U. S. CENSUS REPORTS. 



ARTICLES. 



1850. 



Xumbcr of Manufactories I 947 

Xumber of Steam Engines 

Number of Horse-power ' 

Number of Water Wiieels I 

Number of Horse-power 

Number of Hands employed 3,154 

Capital invested " $1,815,820 

Wages paid 771, 52S 

"Value of ]\Iatcrial used I 1,275,771 

Value of Productions I 2,912,068 



1860. 



976 



4,775 

$4,384,492 

1,618,820 

3,146,639 

6,590,689 



1870. 



1,731 

384 

10,019 

225 

2,453 

5,941 

501,714 

,547,428 

364,206 

154,758 



Referring to nianufacturing interests, the facilities for water- 
power ill various portions of tlio State are iinniense, and very advan- 
tageousl}^ distributed. 

The princi|)al articles manufactured are I'urniture, lunibei-, oil, 
machinery, cotton and woolen goods, bricks and tiles, etc. 

WATER WAYS AND RAILROADS. 

The entire wcst'.'ru border of the State is washed by the Mississipp 
river, and the southern border by the Gulf of ^lexico. The Tom 
bigbec river, running into the Gulf at ^Mobile Bay, is casil}- acccssi 
ble in the northeastern part of the State. The Pearl rivcM- runs 
through the centre. The Yazoo and Big Black rivers, with their 
tributaries, and several other smaller streams, afford great facilities 
for marketing the products of the i-egion they traverse. 



12 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Two important railroads run tlirough the State from iiortli to 
south, and several cross it from east to west, connecting in man}- 
places with the Mississippi i iver, and with the entire railroad sys- 
tem of the United States; and other railroads are in course of con- 
struction. 

The Chicago, St. Louis & New Orleans railroad affords facilities 
for shipping goods, fruit, vegetables, etc., to all the great Northern 
markets, sueh as Chicago, St. Louis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Indian- 
apolis, Cleveland, Pittsburg, etc. As fruit and vegetables can be 
raised here several weeks earlier than they mature in the North, the 
shipper has the advantage of disposing of them at the remunera- 
tive prices generally ruling at the beginning of the season. 

13IMIGKATI0N. 

This State seems to be almost terra incognita to immigrants, and 
the few that do farm the exception, come here prejudiced; 

First, On account of the large colored population, and the com- 
petition of labor; 

Second, On account of the turbulence that has of late years char- 
acterized Southern politics; and, 

Third, On account of the supposed unheaithiness of the climate. 

In the first objection there was at one time some weight, but with- 
in the last few years the negroes have begun to change their habits 
to a great extent. Stealing has diminished rapidl}^ and property 
has become as safe as in most of the Northern States. As to com- 
petition with negro labor, there is little to fear; for while the freed- 
man is good for raising cotton, corn and some other small articles 
of production, the white man has the advantage and preference in 
all work requiring skill and management. 

As to the second objection, the prevailing spirit in the commu- 
nity at large is in favor of law and order. The last Legislature 
enacted stringent laws against carrying concealed deadly weapons, 
and public sentiment sustains this enactment. 

In the objection of the unheaithiness of the climate, there is no 
reason whatever, and this is very plainly demonstrated by the sta- 
tistics of mortality in fourteen States of the Union (see p. 24), and 
which shows that Mississippi ranked second lowest in the percentage 
of death-rate in 1870. 

A gentleman who has thoroughly studied this question writes as 
follows: 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 13 

"Severjil 3'ears age I issued to all the newspapers of this State 
and Louisiana a circular letter, asking their readers to give me their 
opinion of the climate in this State. I received letters enough to 
make just a pamphlet, and I suppose there is not in the possession 
of an}' other man so conclusive a refutation of the delusion as to 
the uncndurableness of the Soulhcrn climate to the Northern or 
European man." 

White labor can .'^tami the fliinate as well as (.olorcd, with lew 
exceptions. Wlutc men have now for many years cullivaled land 
in all tiie coast parishes of Louisiana, such as Lafourche, Bayou 
Teche, Terrebonne, Attakapas, St. Landr^', and indeed all over the 
State. They cultivate rice, sugar-cane, cotton and many other pro- 
ducts, better than the colored man, and maintain Ihcii' health just 
as well. 

Two-thirds of the working classes in the pine district of the State, 
including the sea coast, are whites — both natives and naturalized 
citizens. Immigrants from the Eastern States, Canada, Sweden, 
Denmark, England and Ireland bear exposure to the sun, and stand 
the climate, in every respect, as well as the native population, or 
immigrants from Southern Europe. 

If these facts, and the advantages that this State possesses, were 
known, a great many immigrants would seek this State. The}' 
could find lands at verv reasonable, indeed, at nominal prices. 
They could raise almost every kind of fruits, vegetables, and agri- 
cultural products. Many owners -of land in the State would be glad 
to rent it on shares. This svstem is in considerable use, and ijives. 
I understand, satisfaction. Immigrants can take advantage of the 
Homestead act, and secure land at tbe following rates: 
Forty acres for S 00, 

Eight}' acres for 7 00, 

One hundred and twenty acres fcu" 14 00, 
One hundred and sixty acres for 15 00, 
With the obligation on their part to live on the lands and improve 
them. Tiie lands, however, available under this act are mostly 
.situate in the pine districts and on the coast. 

The tide of immigration to the Great West still continues. Last 
year, however, from 400 to 500 families came to this State, princip- 
ally from Indiana and Illinois. From all reports they seem to be 
doing well, and the indications arc that other families will follow. 
If in addition to this the State could get a share of the immigration 
from Europe, its resources would be considerably developed. 

On this subject the Rev. Dr. Johnson writes thus: 



14 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



"Immigrants are yreatly desired. All wlio ars sober and indus- 
trious will be gladly welcomed. There is room for thousands. 
They can buy lands at low rates, ami on easy terms. 01' course^ 
there are jand-sharlis here, as elsewhere, who will extort the last 
cent they can get. All the reports — and I emphasize the (ill — that 
Northern people are not well received here, or are ostracised, are 
without foundation. There maj^ have been individual cases, but 
none ever came under my observation. I have traveled from Grand 
Junction to New Orleans, and across the State, and have mingled 
with all classes of people, and the sentiment of all is in favor of 
immigrants." 

BOARD OF IMMIGRAnON AND AGRICULTUUE. 

At its last session the Legislature of the State mnde a wise and 
forward movement by establishing a Bureau of Immigration and 
Agriculture. Such a department was much needed for the develop- 
ment of the resources of the State, and helping to raise it to the 
high and prosperous condition reserved for it by a bountiful Prov- 
idence. 

The existence, however, of such a eenter of information will be 
of little service, if not provided with sufficient means for the real- 
ization of its object. It is confidently believed that the Legisla- 
ture, thoroughly understanding and appreciating as it does the 
importance of the subject, will provide the necessary means to 
render this department a complete success, and turn the tide of 
immigration towards this Stale, which has all the attractions and 
resources to offer happy homes to hun^lreds of thousands of fami- 
lies. 

At the head of this Board is Major E. G. Wall, a gentleman ot 
ability, and who is desirous of promoting the public welfare. He 
has in his possession all the information that immigrants can need, 
and on making application to the Board, will have their interests 
protected to the utmost. His office is located at Jackson, Miss. 

POPULATION. 

The j)opulation of the State at the census of 1870, was 827,922, 
of which 382,896 are white, and 444,201 colored. This population 
is divided as follows : 

White. Colored. 

Male 195,283 217,722 

Female 187,613 226,479 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



Since 1870 tlie geiu>i-nl impression is that the poiJiilalion has iii- 
creasod to nearly 1,( 00,000. 

The total amountof outstanding indL'htcdne^s3 of the State, on 

January, 1, 1878, was 7. •$2,9")4,45.S 00 

But in Older to arrive at a correct understanding of its finan- 
cial condition, it is necessary to make the following de- 
ductions, viz: 

Current Fund, Balance in Treasury, January 1, 

1S78 ...$519,092 ()7 

Chickasaw School Fund, represented by War- 
rants in Treasury 185, 2(59 97 

Amount due Chickasaw School Fund 815,229 11 

Amount due Common School Fund 817,640 46 

Amount Currency on hand owned by Insurance 
Companies, and not included in Cash Bal- 
ance 85,000 00— 2,422,738 21 

Balance $.531,719 79 

The amount due the Chickasaw and Common School Funds, 
beinf^ debts ui)on which only the annual ir.tcrest should be paid, 
are deducted as above, thus showing a balance of actual indebted- 
ness of only 6531,719 79. 

Captain Gwin, Auditor of Public Accounts, in his suggestions to 
count}- officers, concludes as follows: 

''I may be i)ard<)ned for congratulating all the ollicials of the 
State, as well as all the people, upon the favorable auspices under 
which we enter upon the discharge of our respective duties. I 
think the affairs of each count}', with scarce!}' an exception, are in 
good hands. The credit cf the State, thanks to the wise measures 
of retrenchment and economy inaugurated by the Legislature of 
1876, and i'ollowed up by succeeding Legislatures, is at par. Her 
warrants are equal to currency anywhere within her borders. The 
avocation of speculators upon the State's credit is ended. The 
few bonds that she has autlu)ri2ed to be issued are anxiously 
sought after by her own cai)italists. Her forfeited lands are being 
rapidly redeemed and repurchased, and thrown back upon the 
county assessment rolls to e(|ualize and thus reduce the tax on the 
aggregate real estate. Efliciency, honesty and integrity of govern- 
ment can do much more than has yet been done to relieve the fax- 
payers of the heavy burthens which have rested upon them for 
the last decade. The main object of revenue laws is to impose 
upon every citizen his share of the taxes necessary to carry on the 
State and county govei'nmcnts. And if every county ollicer will scru- 
pulously discharge the duties marked out for him, this grand object 
will be substantially achieved, and the burtlen of government pro- 



16 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



portiontitel}^ lessened. When I express the belisf that our county 
officials will do this, I feel assured that I am not indulging in chi- 
merical crecyUit}^ or extravagance, but simply indicating in advance 
the determination which animates each of them.'' 

TAXATION. 

The following is an extract from t!ic State la-.v, on taxntio'i: 
"Be it further enacted, That the State tax is hereby tixed at 3^ 
mills, including the tax to pay principal and interest on bonds; 
and Boards of Sui)ervisors are hereby prohibited from levj'ing 
taxes, which added to the State tax will exceed $12 50 per $1,000 
of taxable property ; Prodded, That to meet anj^ outstanding in- 
debtedness, the amount hereing provided may be exceeded, but in 
no case shall the total tax exceed $15 00 per $1,000." 

Thus it will be seen that the utmost extent of authorized taxa- 
tion is 1^ per cent, on the valuation of property. The actual rate 
of tax as now being levied is, of course, very much lower. 

EDUCATION. 



Year. 


No. of Schools. 


No. of Teachers. 


No. of Pupils. 


1850 
18G0 
1870 


964 
1,29S 
1,564 


1,168 
1,695 

1,728 


26,28(5 
39,800 
43,451 



There are now in tliis State G,830 free public schools, and 2,275 

school buildings. 

The Total Number of Educable Children, is 868,387 

Of these there attend the Public Schools 181,932 

The average Daily Attendance, is 121,826 

The Number of Teachers, is 4,125 

The average Number of Days Teaching in Country per year. 77 

The average Number of Days Teaching in Cities per year 200 

Average monthly Salary paid Teachers $29 20 

Total Keceipts for School Purposes $532,652 

Total Expenditures for School Purposes .v $517,470 

There is one University, endowed with a grant of land by the 
United States, which has had an average attendance in the past of 
200 pupils annually. There are 19 colleges and academies, with 82 
professors and teachers, and 915 pupils. There are schools for tlic 
blind, deaf and dumb, and various private school enterprises scat- 
tered over the State. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND AVANTS. 17 

The public free school s^'stem has been in existence in this State 
only since 1870, and has been growing in favor, and spreading its 
influence, ever since its introduction, as will be seen by a conii)ari- 
son of the annual reports. The sparsity of the population in 
many locnliiies has very much retarded its progress. 

Under the new school law adopted by the Legislature of 1878, it 
is believed the school interests of the State will be still further ad- 
vanced, niany of the objectionable features of the old law being 
repealed and new ones substituted that are better suited to the 
wants of the people. 

As yet, but few of the country schools hnvc advanced bojoud 
the elementary branches of an English education. In some of 
the cities and villages, graded schools of an excellent character are 
found. The efficiency of some of these latter, liowever, is some- 
what impaired this year by their failure to get the benefit of the 
Peabody Educational Fund, which they have received annually for 
several years past. The trustees of this fund, owing to some un- 
successful investments, were unable to devote an}- portion of the 
interest to the schools of this State for the current year. We are, 
however, promised a liberal share in the luture. The average 
amount received by this State annuall}-. heretofore, has been about 
.$8,000. 

The schools for advanced colored pupils, supported by the State, 
are the Alcorn Universit}', in Claiborne count}', with about .100 
pupils ; and the Holly Springs Normal School, with about SO 
pupils. Those attending the last school arc required to sign an 
agreement t9 teach for tlirce years in the public schools of the 
State. There; are one or two institutions for colored 3'outh for 
teaching higher branches, notably the Shaw University, at Holly 
Springs, and Tougaloo University, in Hinds county — both on the 
Chicago, Saint Louis and New Orleans Railroad. Neither of these 
are State institutions. 

On this subject, Dr. Johnson writes: " The difficulty in having 
schools the year round in many parts of the State is the sparsity 
of population, and the poverty of the people, the children having 
to assist in making the crops, during the busy seasons. Our sys- 
tem of public schools is a good one, and is being improved from 
year to year. But there are so manj' non-taxpayers that thb funds 
in many of the counties are not sufficient to support the schools 
tor the whole year. People are now more than ever disposed to 
educate their children, and I presume that all the white children. 



18 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



and neavl}', if not all, the colored, receive instruction in the lower 
branches. 

" The schools for higher education are numerous, and nearly all 
of them are doing well. The matriculations from the State Uni- 
versity, annuall}', number over 400, from Mississippi College about 
150, from Whitwortli Female College (Brookhaven) about 200, and 
from a number of other institutions from 100 to 150. 

" The Agricultural and Mechanical College will be organized in 
a short time, under a recent Act of our State Legislature." 

The number of libraries in the State in 1870, were 2,788, contain- 
ing 488,482 volumes. 

The number of newspapers and periodicals published in 1870, 
were 111, with a circulation of 4,703,336. 

There were at the same period 1,800 churches, with 485,398 sit- 
tings, and representing property valued at $2,360,800. The fol- 
lowino- table shows the details of these organizations: 



No. of Societies. 


Organizations. 


Edifices. 


Sittings. 


665 


Baptist 


652 


175,000 


787 


Methodist 


776 


209,000 


262 


Presbyterian 


258 


71,000 


32 


Episcopalian 


83 


7,500 


2 


Congregational 


10 


2,500 


32 


Eoman Catholic 







COLORED LABOR. 

Opinions as to free negro labor are divided; some, principally 
Southerners, consider it a failure; others do not. The writer's ex- 
perience (though small) is on the latter side. The freedman in 
general is not a skilled laborer, but in most instances and locali- 
ties, works well. The share system is in favor with the colored 
people, and when encouraged and properly managed, they work 
with good effect. Inactivity and indolence on their part seem to 
diminish from day to day, and a feeling of moral responsibility is 
being gradually developed, stimulated by the hope that they will 
obtain their due proportion of the results of their labors. 

EXEMPTION LAWS. 



There is exempt from seizure and sale, under execution or 
attachment, in favor of each head of a family or housekeepei-, in 
this State, the following propertj', to-wit: Eighty acres of land. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 19 

two horses or imiles, oue yoke of oxen, two cows and calves, five 
hogs, five sheep, 150 buslieis of corn, 300 bundles fodder, 10 bush- 
els wheat or rict', 200 lbs. pork or bacon, one cart or wagon worth 
$100, one sewing Uiachine, The tools of a mechanic necessary for 
carrying on his trade. The agricultural implements of a farmer 
necessary for two male laborers. The implements of a laborer 
necessary in his usual employment. The books of students re- 
quired for the completion of ctlucation. The wearing apparel oi 
ever}- person. Libraries of lawyers, doctors and ministers of the 
gospel, not to exceed $250. All globes, maps and books of any 
school. 8100 of the wages of all laborers. 

The property exempt from taxation, is as follows : ^yearing ap- 
parel (but not to include watches and jewelry), provisions neces- 
sary for family consumption, all produce raised in the State ii the 
hands of the producer, all dogs, one gun kept for private use, all 
poultry, household furniture not to exceed $250 in value, 2 cows 
and calves, 10 hogs, 10 sheep or goats, all colts until they are three 
years old, farming implements used for agricultural purposes, tools 
of a mechanic necessary for carrying on his trade, libraries of all 
persons, pictures and works of art not kept lor sale, all property 
for agricultural and mechanical societies and fairs. 

The following letter from Col. D. Dennett, agricultural editor of 
the widely-circulated New Orleans Picayune, gives interesting in- 
formation. There are few men in the South more competent to 
write upon this question. 

Brookiiaven, Miss., April G, 1878. 
C. ^Ienelas, Esq. : 

Dear Sir — You ask my views as to the wants of Mississippi — its 
industrial wants — as to what this State needs to secure for its in- 
habitants [)rospcrity and independence. 

I think a large influx of farmers, mechanics, and manufactu- 
rers, and a more complete system of education— particularly indus- 
trial education — indispensable. 

The best plan of settling up the State is by colonies, chiefly 
from t!ie Northern and Western Slates, and from Europe. When 
a few immigrants settle in a neighborhood, lands immediately go 
up to such prices as to check or stop immigration to that point. 

If colonies of from twenty to a hundred families of farmeis and 
mechanics would organize in otiier States, and send agents to 
purchase from 5,000 to 10,000 acres of land in a body, which could 
be purchased in healthy and eligible localities at from $2 00 to 



20 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



$5 00 au acre, the ultimate success of such coloaies could hardly 
admit of a doubt. 

Capitalists purchasing large tracts of laud, aud planting on such 
lands colonists of good character, persons noted for their industry 
and skill, aiding them in the beginning, and giving them from five 
to ten years to pay for their homes and advances, would find safe 
investments for their mone.y, and would render a valuable favor to 
the colonists, aud to the State. 

A small factory or two could be started in each colony, involving 
an outlay of from $2,000 to $10,000, for manufacturing wooden- 
ware, chairs, and household furniture, axe handles, hubs, spokes 
and felloes for wagons and buggies, corn-broom handles and 
brooms, buckets, tubs, fruit-boxes, and numerous other things. 
They could also put up canned and dried fruits, preserves, pickles, 
canned vegetables of various kinds, and mau3' other articles of 
value. 

In the hands of such colonists, lauds that cost $5 00 an acre 
would, in a few years, be worth $50 00, and their industry and 
thrift would stimulate the industr}^ of both the white and colored 
population of the State, and would attract industrious immigra- 
tion to the State in large numbers. 

The ultimate result of such a movement would be a better State 
Government, better laws, a better enforcement of the laws, and a 
more complete system of education. * 

Such immigrants would unquestionably meet a cordial welcome 
in all parts of the State, where they settle, and b}' all classes of 
people; their p. rsonsand property would be as secure as in the 
Western States. I am sure that a heavy tide of such immigration 
to this State would create general rejoicing and congratulations as 
the harbinger of better times, and of lasting prosperity and peace. 

Individuals with a few hundred dollars can secure homesteads 
and make a living m.uch easier in Mississippi than in any of the 
Eastern or Western States. Industrious immigrants from Europe 
may find far better encouragement in jMississippi, and have better 
prospects for lasting prosperity than they can find anywhere in the 
Great West. Dan'l Dennett. 

Before concluding, the writer would add that he has been living 
in America nearly eight years. During that period he lias visited 
several of the Eastern, Northern and Western States. The more 
he comes in contact with the Southern people the more he finds 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 21 

reason to regret that any doubt should exist as to the iinmigrant 
being kiudly receivetl liere, or to his enjoying poi-rect sccurit}' of 
life and property, and perfect freedom of political and rel'gious 
opinions. 

The attractions that JMissiasippi offers to the industrious and in- 
teUigent immigrant aie innumerable. He will live in a land of 
plenty, where the climate is salubrious, the air balmy, the summers 
have unfailing breezes, the winters are mild, and where the soil, 
under judicious tillage, can produce crops almost the j'ear round. 

To Rev. H. F. Johnson, M. J. Warren, of Brookhaven; Col. D. 
Dennett, of New Orleans; Col. M. B. Hillyard, Hazlehurst; Major 
E. G. Wall, Commissioner of Immigration and Agriculture; Gen. 
Smith, of the Board of Education; J. L. Lake, Jr., Col. Musgrove, 
Capt. S. Gwiu, Auditor of Public Accounts, of Jackson, and Gen. 
A. M. West, of Holly Springs, thanks are given for the information 
supplied in furtherance of the object in compiling this statement, 
which, impei'fect as it may l)e in many respects, will, it is hoped, be 
of some interest to the v/cll-wishers of the State, and more partic- 
ularly to that po?>'erful element of immigration, which has contrib- 
uted, and is still contributing, so much to the gigantic development 
of til is great commonwealth. 

C. Menelas. 
Brookhaven, 3Iiss. 



We cannot better tell who Mr. Menelas, the author of the above 
pamphlet, is, than by republishing the following taken from the 
New Orleans Picavune: 

BuooicnAVEN, Miss., A\)y\\ 

2'o the Editor of tlie Picayiote : 

The portion of Mississippi that borders on the great railroad that 
extends from New Orleans to Chicago is at present under a cloud, 
but occasionally we find an opening in the cloud through which we 
can see its silver lining and the clear blue sk}' beyond. 

Mr. C. ^lenelas, a Greek gentleman of great enterprise, last fall 
bought the Whitworth plantation, situated on tli3 railroad two miles 
from this place, and with his brother and ndplicw commenced farm- 
ing here last Januaiy. The estate consists of 1200 acres of pine 
and bottom land with a comfortable dwelling, a saw mill, cotton- 
gin, corn mill and a liberal suppl}- of barns, sheds and outhouses. 
The outhouses and fences needed pretty extensive rei)airs, and 



22 STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



most of the old fields, like scores of thousands of other old fields 
in this State, were much impoverished and greatly the worse for 
wear. 

The new proprietor, charmed with his new home, has undertalveu 
the regeneration of this estate with resolution, energy and intelli- 
gence. With his simplicity ot living and strict frugality so much 
needed in this country, can hardly fail of ultimate success. He is 
a merchant farmer, never having followed farming before; and mer- 
chants and doctors appear to make better farmers than many who 
have had a lengthy experience in agricultural pursuits, but find it 
hard to throw off old prejudices and to adapt themselves to the new 
order of things. Mr. Menelas has the sagacity to hunt up the best 
practical farmers in this country and to draw from them facts which 
he turns to good account. He will this season plant a pretty broad 
surface in corn and a moderate amount of cotton. 

This year will be a season of cautious, but judicious experiments, 
on his estate in regard to some of his crops, to be pursued or 
abandoned in coming years according to bis success or failure the 
present year. He has planted about 50 acres of oats, 13 of Irish 
potatoes, 3 of barley, 1 of rye, 1 of Alfalfa, 1 each of chufas and 
peanuts, 8 of sweet potatoes, 5 of red clover, 3 of flaxseed, some 
jute, three-quarters of an acre of buckwheat, a few"artichokes, some 
strawberries, sugai'-cane, 15 acres goDseueck sugar-cane, rice, Ger- 
man millet, etc. He has planted 3700 cuttings of grape vines, 13 
varieties, including theDevereaux, Louisiana, Herbemont, Cunning- 
ham, Hartford prolific, Ives' seedling, Clinton, Bland and Concord. 
He has planted 200 scuppernong vines, which, at the proper dis- 
tance, forty-five feet each wa}', would cover between four and five 
acres. 

He has also 200 plum trees, and a large number of pear, apple, 
peach and fig trees. He has an orchard of bearing peach, apple 
and pear trees, and they promise a fine yield the present season. 
They comprise some of the best varieties of fruit in the South. 

Mr. Menelas has three breeds of hogs, but he will give special 
attention to the raising of Berkshire hogs. He is confident that 
every good farmer in this country may supply himself with plenty 
of home made bacon for his own use at a small cost. He intends 
to test the capacity of this soil for mixed farming. If the season 
proves favorable, and the result of this year's labor are satisfactory, 
he will do a good work for this railroad and this country, and the 
State. The railroad and this countrv need emigrants and enter- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 23 

prising men who prove the real and innate value of this soil, attract 
immigration and give an increased market value to the lands that 
now have hardly anv market value at a'l. 

Mr. Menelas was in the East Indies eiglit j-ears^ and has lived and 
done business in P^urope and New York, has examined California 
with much care with a view to settling in that counlr^', and like the 
British drum, "has beat around the world," to arrive at the conclu- 
sion that no part of the world suits his fanc}' and tastes so well as 
the country' bordering on the New Orleans, St. Louis an I Chicago 
railroad, in Mississippi. — Cul. D. Dennett, Af/ricultural Editor of 
-ZV. 0. Picayune. 



24 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



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ADDRKSS 

OF DR. A. C. STEVENSON, OP INDIANA, BEFORE THE 
STARKVILLE GRANGE, MARCH 5, 1879. 



It lias been so often repeated that the Southern phmters in the 
loss of their slaves, "lost all," that it is believed to be true by 
many. That the liberation of the slaves of the South was a severe 
Shock to the business of the countr}-, is true, and not only to the 
South, but also to the whole country-. Like an earthquake, its cra- 
ter and greater force was in the South, but its vibrations were felt 
to the great Northern lakes and to the shores of the North-Atlan- 
tic. Thirteen j-ears of readjustment enables us to see the true con- 
dition with calmness. The smoke and confusion have passed away, 
and Southern agriculture is presenting itself in the most hopeful 
attitude. The planter is rich in the most substantial wealth that 
it is possible to possess. It is safe against the attacks of thieves 
or the destructive influence of (ire. It is the land; this vast 
domain is all his. These farms are all his. The flocks and the 
herds of domestic animals of various kinds arc his. The forests 
that grow upon them are his; the valuable minerals that lie be- 
neath the surface — ot iron, coal, etc., are his. The crops of cereals 
and textiles that giow upon them are his. The fruits and v?geta- 
bles that grow upon them are his. In the variet}- of products and 
in their intrinsic value nothing can excel Southern agriculture ; 
and last but not the least, he is permitted to share a climate unsur- 
l^assed in s.dubrity. Tlie extremes of Northern winters arc here 
unknown. The hardier vegetables hero, grow even in winter. The 
scorching rays of a trophical sun arc equally unknown. 

You, gentlemen, hold a position in societ\' of great power. The 
subsistence of tlie country comes from you. You bold the do- 
main, and consequently the subsistence of the country must be 
granted b}', or supplied rather, by you. Bread, the stafl of life, 
tlie flrst and greatest necessit}', must come from you. The pro- 
ducts of flocks and herds, all indispensable for food, is in your 
hands and at your disposal. The country depends on you for the 
animal and vegetable wool with which all must be clothed ; also a vita' 



26 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

necessity. You also hold the wood and the mineral iron material 
for meclianical purposes. The manufacturer must receive from you 
the wool and the cotton, without which his mills must sta7id idle. 
These indispensable necessities, as they are in the hand of the 
agriculturist, are sufficient to show his commanding position, as 
well as his reponsible relations to the welfare of the whole commu- 
nity. 

You, gentlemen, realize your responsible relations to society gen- 
erall}^ The welfare of your country rests greatly on your shoul- 
ders. True, the manufacturer and mechanic adds to the value of 
the raw material. The products of agriculture load, to a great ex- 
tent, the mercantile marine of the world. There are few articles of 
manufacture but if traced back to their elementar}- state, but will 
be found to have been produced by the agriculturist. A notice of 
the indiridual prosperity of the agriculturists of this neighbor- 
hood, as I have witnessed in the several pleasant visits that I have 
had the pleasure to make among them, during my stay at Starkville, 
must close this branch of our subject. 

No one thing more clearly indicates the condition of the farmer 
than his table. His property, and even his mental and moral con- 
dition, may be pretty clearly ascertained in this. The description 
of a single case will pretty clearly represent the whole of our ob- 
servations. Names we withhold, as we are not willing to parade 
modest and refined gentlemen (whose hospitality we have shared,) 
before the public. We were most courteously received by Col. A., 

at his farm in . It was near noon, and after resting an hour 

probably, we were invited into the dining-room, where a most 
bountiful dinner was provided. A white spread and napkins, and 
bright furniture were on the table. A turkey and ham were placed 
on either end of ihe table. Fine bread, vegetables, turnips, pota- 
toes, salad, fruit, rice and greens 1 now remember. Of sweetmeats 
and jellies a variety, and I particularl}' remember the very fine 
pudding, milk and butter. I have been thus particular in details, 
for the leason that about the same was daily for the four days of 
our stay, and that it was all the products of the farm — showing 
how sumptuously a farmer may live upon the products of the farm^ 
rendering him almost independent of the outer world. After din- 
ner, a stroll was had about the premises. In the adjoining 
grounds, I noted fine dunghill fowls of several varieties, guinea 
fowls, ducks, of as many as two varieties, at least, geese, and a 
drove of forty turkeys, and a number of pigeons. Whilst count- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 27 



ing so many varieties of domestic fowls, I did not fail to notice a, 
fine Berkshire sow, with her young brood, nicely sheltered in a dry 
pen, and still another just over the fence, whilst some thirty half 
grown ones occupied another inclosure,and a majestic fellow of some 
three hundred pounds, with great tusks, kept watch over the 
whole. Here were horses," mules and colts, milch cows, iu a com- 
fortable house, a lot of Jerseys for milk and butter. In another 
pasture a lot of young cattle, with a line short horn bull at their 
head, doing a profitable business for his owner and the neighbors 
geuerall\-, as he runs at large. A fine flock of sheep were near at 
hand — Cotswolds and their grades, to which the owner has added 
some first-class Southdowns; and last, but not least, was seventy- 
five bales of cotton, ready for market. Such is the condition of 
most that I have visited, and ma}', or can be, of all. 

I have been requested to discuss the subject of " The Best Mode 
of Restoring Exhausted Lands," and I beg you to not let my too 
length}' introduction alarm you, lest the discussion of the main 
subject be proportionally long, 

A very great error has been committed in this countrv, bv the 
continuous crops of cotton and corn, for more than forty years. The 
rich soil has been shipped to Europe in cotton, year by year, until 
these gullied fields have failed to yield. The rich valleys and 
black prairie soils arc no longer what the}- once were. But think 
you not that these were sinners more than others. The same tuing 
has been done in all the States, when they were new and the land 
very rich. It was once thought that the prairies of Illinois were 
so rich as to be inexhaustible, but they arc already not what they 
were, and will too, need renovation. Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, 
are repeating to-day what Mississippi was doing thirty years ago. 
But, how shall we restore lost fertility? Let us take a lesson from 
nature. If we can imitate her work in the production of the orig- 
inal soil, then we can but succeed. 

At the time the great upheaval took place that raised this great 
continent from the bosom of the ocean, it was- barren — a great 
waste. Shells and debris composed its surface, Plants, in some 
mysterious way, were placed upon it. At first, those that required 
but little earth, and made large demands upon the atmosphere for 
support, reproduction and decomposition, successively followed 
each other, soil gradually accumulated, covered the rocks, hiding 
the deformities of the upheaval, until a rich mold covered the earth's 



28 STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



surface. Riclier grasses succeeded poor ferns, until the earth was 
a grand pasture. Herbivorous animals were placed upon this 
grand and now luxuriant pasture. The deer, the elk, and the 
bison formed vast herds that roamed over the vast fields of grass. 

There are two classes of lands that may be treated somewhat dif 
ferentlj-: The high rolling land, now greatly denuded and gullied 
by the rains, and are still suffering more 'and more annually. In 
the other class may be placed the bottom lauds and the prairies, 
which have wonderfully withstood the exhausting effects of con- 
tinued cultivation. These rolling lands, now so much washed, 
should be at once seeded with grass. I would prefer a mixture of 
Meadow Fescue and blue grass, on account of their capacity for 
winter pasture and their very nutritious qualities — both producing 
the best quality of milii: and beef. 

Here, gentk^men, is a fine sample of blue grass, taken from the 
yard of Hon, H. L. Muldrow, this 5th day of March, twelve inches 
high — a growth made during winter. This grass may be seen in 
large fields at W. B. Montgomery's, also at Robert and James 
Montgomerys', and at other places in this neighborhood. 

Here is a sample of English blue grass or Meadow Fescue; a fine 
grass for winter or summer, or for ha3^ It is from tlie farm of 
Robert Muse. Here is a sample of orchard grass from the same 
farm. And here is tall Meadow Oat grass, from the farm of J. D. 
Beattie. All these grasses are evergreens here, growing during the 
whole winter. Here is a sample of white clover in flue grazing con- 
dition at the date above; also red clover, a fine field of which may 
be seen on the farm of Dr. Elliott. I present you good specimens 
of Alsikc. Here is a Bermuda sod not yet started; this is a sum- 
mer grass and is just in season when some other grasses having 
made their growth and ripened their seed are in a state of inertia. 
The Guinea grass can be mowed three times a year. Here is blue 
grass growing in a sod of Bermuda now 12 inches high, so that you 
may have winter, early spring, and in the hottest days of summer 
the best of pasture upon the same ground. 

If the soil is too much exhausted for these grasses, I would take 
Bermuda or some other grass that the soil will sustain. The great 
object is to grass the land; this will stop the washing that is pro- 
duced by the frequent rains of this country; and in the next place, 
the usual decomposition and reproduction of the grasses, is rich 
mold added. When once set, these lands should never again be 
plowed; they will yield handsomely by gra/.ing of cattle, horses. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 29 

mules or sheep. The bottoms and level lands that do not wash, and 
the prairies, I would treat different!}'. Sow to clover two 3'ears, and 
then cultivate as man}'. If the land is much exhausted, I would 
neither mow nor pasture, but leave the crop upon the ground which 
in two years will give it a large manuring, and then cultivate for 
two 3'ears, which will likel}' produce as mucli cotton or corn as if 
cultivated in these crops four 3'ears without being enriched b}- the 
clover and with half the labor which will be gained bv this process. 
Where the land is not too much exhausted, a crop of hay ma}' be 
cut, or the first crop may be pastured and the second crop cut for 
seed. This will make the operation in addition to the improve- 
ment of the land, a profitable operation. Tlie seed crop — after the 
hay crop is taken off — will yield at least five dollars an acre. As 
hog pasture it will make fifty pounds to the hog, which on one 
hundred head, will make five thousand polmds. At four dollars 
per hundred will make two hundred dollars; at five hogs to the acre, 
v/ill give ten dollars per acre. 

Green crops plowed under may be profitably practiced upon all 
lands not too much washed, as some of the hilly fields are found to 
be. In such, they should be laid down permanently in grass. 
Bsrnyard manure, muck and rotted leaves should be utilized. 
Bones, lime, beds of rich mold, in great quantities, may be had 
about creeks and even small branches, which are of great value as 
a manure. Marl is said to exist in great quantities in this State, 
and is undoubtedly of value. 

The nightly penning of sheep or cattle upon small plats of 
ground for a few nights at a time, ?nd then moving tho pens, and 
repeating, may be made exceedingly profitable. A considerable 
number of acres may be thus greatly improved in a year. It is 
a too common practice for the cattle of a farjncr to stand in 
the lane in front of the house every night an ^ their droppings 
washed into the branch below by the first rain. But it may be said 
that it costs too much to do all this. It costs something truly, but 
it may cost you more to make a bale of cotton on poor worn out 
land; and the time will surely come when it must cease ti) produce 
altogether. 

Before I close let mc remind you that in all your operations 
beauty may be combined with utility to great advantage. The 
tasteful adornment of the person adds much. This is so strongly 
impressed that it may be regarded as instinctive. It is not only a 
(juality of the refined but is impressively seen in the savage in his 



30 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

paints. Houses and grounds are adorned and beautiful flowering 
plants cultivated within doors and without, because of the pleasant, 
mental sensations they produce. Pleasure begets love and love pu- 
rifies the soul and makes it better. God must thus have intended, 
for he presented you this country in a most beautiful state. A for- 
est of beautiful and diversified trees — deciduous and evergreen — 
covered with the«-.richest green foliage — because that color most 
delights the human eye. Tall grasses and flowering herbs filled the 
spaces below. Such a grand sight must have filled tlie mind with 
delight, and without a great stretch of fancy carried the mind back 
to a remembrance of the happy abode of our first parents where 
God, to seal their happiness, placed them in a garden of trees and 
flowers. 

In grazing 3'our lands, gentlemen, 3-0U not only insure restored 
fertilit_y, butj'ou also add beaut}^ great beauty, to your whole coun- 
tr}'. Tiiese gentle slopes and vallies dressed in garments of green, 
will be most delightful. Such have been the delight of mankind 
in all ages, associated as they are with ITocks and herds feeding upon 
the rich herbage. Primitively herds of deer and buffalo grazed 
upon the wild grasses; you will have substituted herds of domes- 
ticated animals; in their stead you will have substituted the cultiv- 
ated grasses — the matchless Blue grass, the Meadow Fescue, tall 
Oat grass, Bermuda, Guinea grass and the clovers. Beauty and 
utility here go hand-in-hand, serving both physical wants and men- 
tal pleasures. In view of such, well might Israel's Shepherd King 
have sung, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He 
maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me by the 
still waters." 

David in his shepherd days, when herding his father's flocksi 
often looked with delight upon the beautiful fields of grass upon 
which these flocks were fed. He had often admiringly looked upon 
them as they la}' resting themselves upon the beds of soft grass. 
He had doubtless often led them down to the gentle brook. These 
visions of beauty were never erased from his mind. The splendors 
of the throne; the shouts of his victorious legions — still this beau- 
tiful picture remained — the beauty of the green pastures. 

Is this visionary so far as this country is concerned — will grass 
not grow here ? This is an error too long indulged. The experi- 
ment has been fully made. The grass — the cultivated grasses — are 
now to be seen here in as fine condition as could be desired, and 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 31 

the work of seeding is now going on at a brisk rate. In a few 
years tlio finest pastures will be found along side of tlio cotton 
tields. Vegetable and animal wool will grow side by side. lieef, 
butter and cheese will accompan}' cotton bales to European 
markets. 

Gentlemen, in bidding you adieu, let me assure you that when in 
my far olf Western home, my short stay in Starkville and the kind 
attention paid, will afl'ord me man}- pleasant recollections. 



MISSISSIPPI AS IT IS. 



Mobile, Ala. 
Maj. E. G. Wall: 

Dear Sir — I comply with your polite request to furnish 3^011 
some matter for the book you design printing, with the view of 
portraying the attractions of the State; only sorry that my engage- 
ments have been such as to make it impossible for me to give to 
the work the desired deliberation. 

For the sake of something like system, let us look at Mississippi 
in her climate, soil, products and resources, not limiting om-selves 
to these topics, but having them, raainA', in view. 

There have been such persistent misrepresentation and such a 
deep-rooted misconception of the climate of this State, that the 
best substantial facts, the soberness of statistics, the most impar- 
tial and critical statements of the most competent and dispassion- 
ate observers, are put in the same categor}^ in the estimation of 
man}"- with the vagaries of fancy, the sinister exaggerations of 
unscrupulous land agents, or the wild and reckless assertions of 
casual and irresponsible observers. Tell the people at large that 
the last census shows that Mississippi is one of the best watered 
States in the Union, far surpassing many; that she is a very health- 
ful Str.te, in many respects, even in malarial diseases, having less 
sickness that many States; while these diseases are not of a malig- 
nant type, and yield readily to treatment; tell that our rainfall sur- 
passes most of the States; tell these, I say, and avouch for it with 
the census, and you are stared at in a vacant faced, dreamy way, 
that shows that, while the party can't dispute you, lie or she is 
nearl}' stunned at the surprising facts you have presented. 

Our climate, while it is a hot one, is endurable b}- reason of our 
cool nights, the drjmess of the air, that admits of the absorption 
of perspiration, and its breozines?. I have not time to dwell on 
each of these, but a strong illustration of the brceziness of the 
climate was mentioned by an old gentleman the other day. Avho 
lives in the grand prairie region of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. 



KESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 33 

I was asking him about tlie brccziness of that country; ho said 
that, after stock had l)ccome habituated to the open prairies, it was 
alinost impossible to keep them in the wooded country. 

We have a season of hot weather from May until October, (I 
put it strongest against us by that statement.) But our climate is 
remarkable even in its temperature. So much is this the case that 
sometimes, for three or four years successively, the highest temper- 
ature, in one or more months, in each year, will be the same. Thus 
take the highest temperature for September, in the years 1839 to 
1S42, inclusive ; in each year it was 90 degrees. Take again the 
highest temperature from 1825 to 1S2S, inclusive, in the month of 
July. In every year, except 1822, when it was 92 degrees, the de- 
gree was 9-1. 

From 1825 to 1S50, the highest range of the thermometer was 98 
degrees. That \vas in August, 1834. On only three other occa- 
sions did it reach 97 degrees, to-wit: August, 1875, and July of 
1832 and 1845. I would love to dwell, but must hurry on. I 
ought to say, however, t5 avoid misunderstanding, that while I 
have the meteorological record from 1850 to 1877, it is not accessi- 
ble; that the above temperature was noted at Natchez, liLiss,, and 
that the coldest da^- was 13 degrees, in the year 1832. 

'We have a great variety of soils in the State. It is superfluous 
to go into the geological divisions. There are the alluvial lands 
of the IVIississippi river, the miocene lauds representing the northern 
centre of the State, the pine lands the southern centre, and the 
prairie lands lying on the eastern side of the State, for a consider- 
able portion of it. It is needless to say anything of the alluvial 
lands on the Mississippi. Mississippi bottom is the synon3'm of 
fertility — surpassing fertility — of soil, throughout this conti- 
nent. The pine lands arc comparatively infertile, but very 
beautiful; full of sparkling springs and swift, limpid brooks, and 
most excellent fruits and vegetables. The miocene lands repre- 
senting the upper centre of the State, are more fertile than tt^e pine 
lands, not so well watered, and are adajjted to the culture of a 
large variety of products. 

Tha prairie lands are, to my mind, the most beautiful landji, in 
an agricultural point of view, I ever saw. I have seen much of 
the prairies of Illinois and Iowa. I have compared views with 
men who have seen much, if not most of the prairie lands of the 
United States. I have never seen, nor have hear"!, any say that 
they have seen any prairie land to sui-pass the pi-airic region along 



34 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



the line of the Mobile and Ohio railroad. The most of it lies in 
l(Hig, r-entle uudultations, with barely enough roll to it to secure 
drainage. The soil is black, mellow, friable and prodigiously fer- 
tile. It is almost underlaid with marl or rotten limestone. It is 
accessible, cheap, healthful. I am informed that the best of the 
prairie, when new, will bring 100 bushels of corn per acre. There 
is plenty of demonstration this year that it will bring fine wheat 
and oats. I know, after a recent investigation, that it is one of the 
best stock raising countries in the country, having seen blue grass, 
(Poa pratensis) red clover, (Trifolium pratense) white clover, 
(Trifolium repens) red top, (Agrostis vulgaris) orchard grass, 
(Dactylis glomerata) meadow fescue, (Festuca pratensis) Johnson 
grass, better known as Guiena grass, (Sorghum vulgare) Bermuda 
grass, (Cynodon dactylon) and lucerne, (Medicago sativa) all on 
one farm; that of W, B. Montgomery, of Starkville, Miss., one of 
the most prominent and successful breeders of throughbred Jer- 
seys in the Southwest. 

It should be said, too, en passant, that those prairie lands en- 
dure dry weather surpassingly. The soil is so deep and mellow, 
that no subsoiling is needed; it has been deemed superfluous, after 
years of experiment, by one of the most enlightened experimental- 
ists in Mississippi, Mr. C. F. Sherrod, of Columbus, Miss. The 
roots striking away, until the needed moisture is reachcci, without 
obstacle. 

They are also extraordinarily blessed in the abundance of marl 
or rotten limestone, almost everywhere accessible in the prairie re- 
gion proper. 

These superb lands range all the way from $3 00 to $30 00 per 
acre, very much according to proximity to railroad, or the disposi- 
tion of the owners. 

Turn we now a little while to consider the productions of this 
State. How vast the variety ! What a range from the oranges,, 
lemons, olives, bananas of our Southern border to all that is claimed 
as best at the North and East on our northern borders. It would 
be interesting to show what we can produce that they cannot. 
Look what fine rice, sugar-cane we can produce. Our tobacco, 
where is surpassed ? although so little cultivated. Perhaps they 
think they can surpass us in the cereals. Yet I am sure their oats 
cannot compare with ours. Where is wheat superior in flour pro- 
ducing quality to ours, to be found ? Rye and barley are hardly 
worth contending for; though I, by no means, wish it to be sup- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 3o 

posed by this, that our product is inferior. I kno'.v tlie West boasts 
of its corn; but, sciveii their improved culture and appliances, I feel 
sure that our prairies and rtlissis3ii)pi bottoms will equal if not sur- 
pass their yield. Their hay crop is a big item, ^yell, we can cut 
more hay off the same area per annum than they can of their favor- 
ite grasses, l.)cside3 pasturing the same all winter long; and we can 
add two grasses to the best of pasture grasses which nothing tliey 
have can approach to — not even the Kentucky blue grass. But 
why go to the expense of mowing grass for hay when you can have 
grass green the year round for pasture? Who shall eiiumerate the 
list of fruits and vegetables ? Look at strawberries from ^March to 
August, and even earlier and later, in a small way. I have seen 
l)caches from last of IMa}'- until last of October. It is sufficient to 
say to the grape-raiser, that, in parts of the Stat^>, the Delaware is 
all that could be desired. We can raise the fig, pear, apple, cherr}-^ 
Jill the small fruits, except, perhaps, the currant and gooseberry; 
and we can raise fruits in perfection. As to vegetables, I will not 
start to enumerate them. One must see them before they can be 
appreciated. 

Along our southern border Uie waters teem with the most delic- 
ious fish — green trout, sheephead, redsnapper, shad, jiompano — 
what an array of llnny luxuries does this list present I Then, there 
are green turtles, oysters, crabs, etc. Even in many of our streams 
fine fish are abundant — I mean those higher up the State. 

But who can enumerate our i)roducts ? I must hurry from the 
partial list to say a word of our resources. 

Here we enter a domain comparatively untrod. Could we but 
transplant to Mississippi tlie wealth, enterprise and skill that mark 
the Eastern States, what a transformation would be wu'ought I 

^Look at the numberless water-power, in our State ! Consider 
our raw material in cotton alone, that ought to be turned into 
fabrics on our own soil, instead of paying the toll it does before it 
reaches tlie consumer. See our vast forests of timber for wooden 
ware, furniture, carriages and Avagons ! How many clear water 
streams, and rags — of which no one takes any account— for manu- 
facturing paper I Here are millions of acres of oak, a great hide 
emporium near, and yet we bring almost all our boots and shoes 
from the East! What fine wool can we raise — we took the premium 
against the world at the "World Fair" ii London, and our sheep we 
can shear twice a year. How inexpensively ar(^ sheep raised. 
With what fecundity do they increase ? How beautiful they arc ! 



36 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

Poiule'r what a vast field there is for one branch of industry — rais- 
ing lambs for the early markets ! All the nation north, east and 
west is before you for a market, with no possible competition from 
any of them. You can have your lambs ready for market here 
before they are dropped there. 

See what another field there is, as 3'et untouched, in making but- 
ter and cheese in the South for the Nortli and East! From the 
15th of November to April, we can give them the most delicious 
Jersey butter, fresh with tlie flavor of blue grass and clover. I 
will not pursue tlie thought, but, as ihere is a profound enjoyment 
in being laughed at for a fool, when one is sure he is wise, I desire 
to predict that, by another quarter of a century, the Southwest wil^ 
be the great butter-making and cheese manufacturing section of 
the countr}-. What a sight it will be to see our fertile prairie lands 
teeming witli Jerseys, browsing in raid-winter on clover and blue 
grass knee high, and trains thundering over the Mobile and Ohio 
railroad on fast time laden with butter for the North and East, and 
known as "the Butter Express!" Here is our Southern coast 
between Mobile and New Orleans. It ought to be the hither Flor- 
ida. Here is fine sailing; either safe in the shallow bays, or more 
daring in the sound and gulf. Tlie finest fishing is to be found. 
Hunting can be had wear at hand. The climate is as mild as need 
be, and less debilitating, I think than Florida. If shopping and 
gayety be desirable. New Orleans and iMobile are near. Then it is 
so accessible. 

The day will »ome when our pine-woods will be dotted thick with 
people seeking health for pulmonary affections, I never fail to 
reiterate this; and the forerunners have already come. In a few 
j-ears, beautiful residences, and grounds, where the flowers are red- 
olent all winter, will spring up like magic. They will bring botfe 
beauty to th® country and health to the resident. Climate cure 
will be popular in a few years; and the pinewocwls will be the great 
sanitarium. 

When it shall be known tiiat our State owes nothing, that our 
taxes are lighter than almost any State in the Union, that it has 
been demonstrated that Northern people and Europeans have no 
trouble in standing the cliniate, even when plunged into it in mid- 
summer, that !rO far from being a vast morass, reeking with malaria 
and harrassed with mosquitoes and fleas, that much of our country 
i.s very health}', high, rolling and breezy and almost entirely exemi)t 
from these pests^ that our lands are cheap, fertile, producing such 



RESOLiKCES,. CONDITION AND WANTS. 37 

a wide range of valuable products; that we are splendidl\' furnished 
with railroad facilities in parts of the State, with improvements 
constantly progressing; tliat we are but a day or two from the great 
markets of Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, etc., and near the sea for 
all the diversified products of the field and loom possible to our 
brighter day so certain to follow; that we welcome immigration as 
it never was welcomed before — with sincere yearning hearts and 
longing, open arms; when these things shall be better known, we 
shall have a large immigration here. I say it most reverenth', maj' 
God, the giver of every good thing, hasten that happy daj'! 

M. B. HiLLYARD. 

The above article is from the able pen of Col. M. B. Hillyard, 
who has been living in Mississippi for more than six years. Co). 
Hillyard is a native of Delaware and made his home in our State 
soon after the surrender. 



MIDDLE MISSISSIPPI, RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH. 



3IaJ. E. G. Wall: 

Dear Sik — I willingly undertake the task you have assigned me 
of describing some of the middle counties of Mississippi, for the 
benefit of those may wish to settle. And at the outset, I will state, 
that for many years I have contended, that Middle Mississippi, 
from the Tennessee line down to the long leaf pine countrj^, is the 
best for poor men and small farmers that I have ever seen, and I 
have been in most of the States east of the Mississippi river. 

THE LANDS 

in the counties of Calhoun, Choctaw, Winston, Attala, Leake, 
Kemper, Neshoba, etc., are generally hill}', with large bodies of bot- 
tom land on the watercourses. There are no large bodies of rich 
land\>n the hills, but on or near the creeks and branches there arc 
small tracts that are very productive. The bottom lands are rich 
in all the elements of plant food, but lie too low generally for suc- 
cessful cultivation. They onl}- need ditching and underdraining, 
to make some of the finest farms in the world. There is enough 
of these bottom lands in the counties mentioned above, to employ 
all the labor that is now in them, if they were only brought into 
proper condition for cultivation. They can any of them be bought 
for from $1 00 to $d 00 per acre, and the hill lands at about the 
same price. 

THE CLIMATE 

of these counties is unsurpassed for health. The winters arc short 
and mild and the summers'not unusually hot. There is always a 
breeze stirring night and day, and the nights are cool enough to 
make sleep a luxury. 

PRODUCTS. 

The lands in these counties produce cotton, corn, wheat, oats, 
rye, ric?, soighum, sweet and Iiish potatoes, and all the vegetables 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 39 

usually planted ia the garden, peaches, pears, plums grow finely, 
but most varieties of late apples rot on the trees. The perennial 
grasses and clover thrive well, if properly cared for. There are 
thousands of springs, never failing, and of the purest and coldest 
water. Among these springs are many that afford strong chal}'- 
bcate and sulphur water. Some of those have been fixed up for 
the entertainment of visitors, who resort to them in the summer, 
for health or amusement. One of these, a sulphur sjjj'^ng, in three 
or four miles of Louisville, the county site of Win^loa county, 
called Gales Spring, is a considerable resort for visitors in tlie sum- 
mer months. There is not one-tenth of the land in these counties 
yet cleared, and in cultivation. 

TIMKEU. 

The best, oi the land is still covered with the original forest, 
composed of the finest timber in the world — red oak, black oak, 
white oak, post oak, Spanish oak, blackjack, hickory, elm, baach, 
walnut, ash, pine, (of the short leafed variety) chestnut and va- 
rious others too numerous to mention. 

WATER roWER. 

On the headquarters of Pearl, Big Black, and Noxubee, the 
small streams afford never-failing motive power for mills or manu- 
factories of any kind. The fall on these water courses is too little 
to afford good sites for overshot wheels, but there are hundreds of 
good sites for undershot or turbine wheels. If the citizens of 
these middle counties of jMississippi would quit raising so much 
cotton, which at the present prices, does not pay for producing it, 
and turh their attention to stock raising, they would have two dol- 
lars where they now have one. 

THE STOCK 

hero, cattle, horses, mules, sheep or hogs, need no feed or care in 
the summer, but live on the range or common. The winters are so 
mild and comparatively so short, that they need but little shelter or 
food. The cattle generally make out to live without care or atten- 
tion on what they can gather in the swamps and pick up about the 
fields. In some localities there is still cane enough to keep the cat 
tie in good order during the winter, without food. Tlic native 
grasses in the range, keep them fat during the summer months. 



40 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 

There is uo neighborhood of six or eight miles square, but, has 
a Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist Church, and there are a few 
Catholic Churches in the villages. The State free school system 
is in fall operation in these counties, and in every village and 
county site there is one or more schools of a higher grade where 
the classics are taught and students prepared to enter college. 
There is no railroad lunning directly through the counties named. 
There' is a branch from the New Orleans and St. Louis road from 
Durant to Kosciusko, the county site of Attala county, and this 
road and the Mobile road are near enough to make the transporta- 
tion of produce not very difficult. 

I have thus given to you, according to your request, as correct a 
description of the counties you named, as I can, and will pledge 
m}' honor for its truth. I could have gone more into minuticB, but 
concluded that it would take up too much of your space. 
Yours very respectfully, 

Tnos. P. Miller. 

Louisville, JVi7iston Counfij. 



OUR EXPERIENCES IN SOUTH MISSISSIPPI. 



To Maj. E. G. Wall : 

Previous to ru}' removal here with m^' family and eflTects, I bad 
visited the country four several times. Once with ra}' wife, I spent 
two weeks at and about McComb Cit}'. Then with an artist another 
two weeks, through Pike count}', and over into Louisiana. Then 
the same length of time in the vicinity of Hazlehurst. Finally, to 
test the summer weather, I spent the last of July and former part 
of August, in tlie same locality, eating peaches, figs and melons. 
During the two latter visits, I secured a site for a home, that could 
be made the center of a settlement of our Northern friends. Last 
October I moved here. We are in the midst of the fruit belt? 
which, beginning about Canton, in Madison county, runs to the 
Louisiana State line. 

Copiah county, at least along the railroad, is pine woods, but not 
so pronounced as tlie country farther south. The soil is mostly 
sandy loam, the subscil as a rule is yellow and sometimes red cla\'. 
The peac'.i, plum, fig and strawberry luxuriate here. Other fruits, 
do finely but the above excel. The soil producing average crops of 
grain. Cotton and sugar-cane, without fertilizing, yields most won- 
derfully to the influence of a stimulus. It pays here to cultivate a 
smaller area, and enrich the soil liberally. Puit if a man dotes on 
a large tract of land, let him enclose a sheep pasture and stock it, 
giving attention to his flock, and while he is planting his corn and 
cotton and attending to his fruit, his sheep will bo enriching his 
soil and repaying him from 50 to 100 per cent, on his original 
investment. One shepherd will be necessary to every flock, as i\Iis- 
sissippi dogs are fond of fresh mutton! 

lam becoming satisfied novv, that dairying will one da^^ be very 
profitable in this country. Bring good milk stock, young, give 
them the care you do in Illinois, Wisconsin and ^Michigan, and yt)U 
will double your net profits. Of this I have no doubt whatever. 
But vour stock will need sonic attention IVom December the 1st 



42 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



until IMarch "the 15tb. They will need shelter from the winter rains; 
true, the stock here does not get it, but that brought from the North 
will need it, and no country furnishes more that can be made avail- 
able in this way, than this part of Mississippi. Let me sum up 
from my own observ'ation what you may do here. Your land will 
cost you on an average of SIO per acre (with improvements.) On 
every acre of cleared land you can produce, without manure, 15 
bushels of corn worth 75 cents per bushel, (a very low estimate) 
amounting to $11 25, or about $3 50 above the average in Illinois. 
You can raise 100 bushels, (very low again) of sweet potatoes, 
worth right at home from 50 to 75 cents per bushel. You can raise 
of oats, a very respectable and profitable crop, and by sowing in 
the fall, can pasture upon it during the winter, and cut your crop in 
June. You can raise wheat, but there is need of farther experi- 
ment, before I pronounce upon its profit. You can make 300 gal- 
lons per acre of molasses, worth, at low figures, 50 cents per gallon. 
You can raise on every low spot, or even on dry ground, a large 
crop of rice. You can have your orchards of all kinds of fruits, 
except oranges and lemons, and these, if you wish, 3'ou can culti- 
vate with your choice flowers in your green-house. You can raise 
your sheep with a merely nominal expense, and at Wesson Mills, (in 
the county,) you can get your cash, say 25 cents per pound, for 
unwashed fleeces. You can fence a pasture, (they don't do it here 
generally, but you must do it) and have 3'our herd of Jerseys, 
Aj'shires, or whatever kind of milk stock you please, or you can 
raise good, hardy native cows and by feed and care make them very 
profitable. You can have vegetables in 3''our garden nearlj^ every 
day in the year. You can have winters without more than one inch 
of frozen ground, and summers^ with the highest range of the ther- 
mometer about 96o F., and your warmest da3's tempered by a refresh- 
ing breeze from the southwest. You can have an abundance of 
clear, sparkling, soft spring water. You can see flowers from Feb- 
ruary until tlie middle of December, and find wild fruits from IMa}' 
until November. 

Do not expect a wide, level, mu Id}^ expanse of black soil. You 
will find trees, aye, and stumps, but 3'ou will be more than recom- 
pensed by a delicious climate and a vast range of fruits and vege- 
tables. 

But above all, you will be kindly treated. Your political senti- 
ments will be respected — at least mine have been. IMy family and 
mj'self have never met with anything but tiie most cordial treat- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 43 

ment. True, the countiy is sparsely settled, compared with our old 
home in Bureau county, Illinois; but it is Just as peaceful here as 
there, and we only desire that having found a pleasant heritage in 
Mississippi, our old neighbors and friends might come and share it 
with us. Health is assured, so far as loc?l causes are concerned, at 
this elevation 500 feet above tide water. There are several fami- 
lies here from Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. All are as well satis- 
fied as we are. There are undoubtedly less causes of discourage- 
ment here than in the more newly settled West and Northwest, and 
those who mix their knowledge they bring from the North, with 
whattlie\' gather here, will without doubt succeed and become pros- 
perous. 

Respectfully, A. H. Widxey. 

Hazlehiirst, Copiah Coiotfi/, Miss. 



BAST MISSISSIPPI. 



To Maj. E. G. Wall: 

Yours of the 13th to liand and contents duly noted. First, let 
me congratulate the State of Mississippi in having a Legislature 
with foresight to provide for her primal interests and also, in select- 
ing the man it has to carry out this progressive reform of develop- 
ing our vast resources. May we not look for a better future. 

I wish that I was competent to do justice to East Mississippi; 
but being only a practical farmer for the last twenty-five years, 
(having spent the best of my manhood in the mechanic arts) I cer- 
tainly feel ni}^ inability to write up our section of the State. But 
as the world is in part carried on by muscle as Avell as brain power, 
perhaps, what I may say will meet the demand, of some like myself 
who have won their way by stern effort. I with much hesitancy 
undertake to comply with your request, well knowing that charity 
is one of your cardinal virtues. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LANDS. 

To begin with nature as my text-book tlirough life, East Missis- 
sippi, or what is known by that name, lies geologically in the 
"Eocene" formation, consequently our lands and soil are mostly 
sandy, and called by geologists the Orange Sand, The sub-strata 
not being very tenacious, aflfords line drainage, or filtration on 
uplands, while our creek and river bottoms are more tenacious, and 
being level require ditching, to some extent, to make them effective. 
The uplands abound in long leaf pine, hickory, all the different 
varieties of oak, sweet gum, dogwood, blackjack, holly, etc. While 
the bottoms are covered with a heav\^ growth of oak, hickory-, ash, 
gum, beech, immense pines, magnolia, c^'press, etc. 

CROPS OF COTTON AND CORN. 

The uplands are rolling and easily cultivated, and under judic- 
ious management will 3'ield half a bale of cotton per acre, (250 
pounds of lint) though I have made over a bale of cotton per acre? 
b}^ care and labor, with fertilizers. Our average uplands may be 
put down at from 12 to 15 bushels of corn, without manure, though 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 45 

our bottoms and '"Reed-brakes" will yield from 20 to SO bushels per 
acre. I have known over 100 bushels per acre gathereil from 
'•Reed-brake" land; my own averages about 40 bushels. 

FRUITS, AND GARDKX VEGETABLES. 

All this region is well adapted to gardens and orchards, produc- 
ing the very best vegetables and fruits of every variety, adapted to 
our climate. Along the Mobile and Ohio railroad, which runs 
through this section, a great mar}' early vei^etablcs of various kinds, 
and peaches, pears, apples, strawberries, blackberries and plums are 
shipped to the Western markets, and to Mobile over this road. 
This truck farming and fruit culture could be indefinitely extended 
along the lines of our railroads. 

STOCK RAISING AND SHEET HUSBANDRY. 

A great deal of our lands that are not well adapted to farming 
purposes, being hilly and sometimes rocky, afford fine spring, sum- 
mer and fall pasture, (range) for sheep, cattle, goats and hogs and 
serve veiy well for mares and colts. Our reed brakes and creek 
bottoms, to a large extent, arc covered with switch cane, affording an 
excellent winter range, requiring but little other food for stock dur- 
ing our hardest winters, and consequeutly wo have a fine stock 
countr}'. 

FOKHST TREES FOR LUMBER. 

Our forests abound in the finest yellow (heart) pine trees for saw 
mills, an abundance of oak for tanning and wagon making, the 
hickoiy is not surpassed, and the sweet gum, poplar and magnolia 
are well adapted to the manufacturing of furniture and gin stands. 

WATFJl POWER AND MILL SITES. 

The main attractions to capitalists are the facilities for manufac- 
turing purposes. I will here say any water power may be had from 
a 10 up to 500 horse ix)wer. I know of a fall of 90 feet that runs 
nothing but a grist mill and its custom requires but one day iu a 
T,eek. The town of Enterprise, in Clarke count}-, has an immense 
water-power, where the Chunky and Oktibbeha unite and form the 
Chickasahay, a point where a "Southern Lowell" might be built, 
by skill and capital. Indeed, sites for small and large factories, can 
be purchased at nominal prices, in Lauderdale, Clarke, Wayne, 
iNcwton and other counties, in this section of the State. 



46 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI 



TOWNS IN EAST MISSISSIPPI. 

Meridian, Enterprise, Sliubuta, State Line, Lauderdale and 
Scooba, on tlie Mobile and Oiiio railroad; Hickory, Newton, Lake 
and Forest, on the Vicksburg and Meridian railroad, Meridian is 
our railroad center; here terminate the V. & M. R. R., the Alabama 
and Chattanooga and the Alabama Central, vath the Mobile and 
Ohio passing through from l\Iobile to St. Louis. In Meridian we 
have an Iron Foundry, Sash, Door, Blind and Furniture Factory; 
two Tanneries, a Cotton Factory, Merchant Mill and a Cotton Seed 
Oil Mill, She purchased thfe past season 20,000 bales of cotton. 
Besides, the cotten factor}^ at IMeridian, there are several others in 
successful operation in this section, two of which I will mention, 
the Wanita and Stonewall Mills, near Enterprise. 

THE MARLS OF EAST MISSISSIPPI. 

In the outset of this communication, I stated that East Missis- 
sippi embraced a part of the "Eocene" formation, and that you 
may know my object, I will here state that it was to infrom " tlie 
world and the rest of mankind," that we possess the best facilities 
for making a 2^c)-fect plant food, i. c, fertilizer. See L. Harper's 
Geological Report of the State of Mississippi. This region 
abounds in "marl" of almost every variet^^ accessible to the 
Vicksburg and Meridian, and the Mobile and Ohio railroads, and 
also on the Chickasahay, Buckatuua rivers, and many other creeks. 
The commercial value of the best varieties, is set down by Mr. 
Harper at $16 42 per ton, equal if not superior in value to Califor- 
nia gold bearing quartz, and not half the expense to prepare it. 
This "marl" when mixed with cotton seed meal (under a patent 
issued in 1852,) and with ashes, affording potash, gives one of the 
very best fertilizers, which will enable this section to become the 
Eden of the South, if not the nation. 

From the fact that we have the health, the water, the timber, 
pasturage, fair farming lands, every facility for transportation, with 
this cheap fertilizer to answer our domestic purposes, you can in 
truth. and soberness call aloud and spare not, for industry, energy, 
intelligence and capital to coire among us, for all will find a goodly 
heritage, that will use the means that the God of nature and grace 
has laid witliin our reach. 

Very respectfully, your friend, 

Edward J. Rkw. 

IferkUao}, Miss. 



NORTH MISSISSIPPI. 



Tlie countv of ^Marshall touches Tennessee on the north, and lies 
just south of Shelb}' and Faj-ette counties, in that State. It con- 
tains about TOO square miles of territory, and a population of up- 
wards of 30,000, about equally divided between whites and blacks. 
Having outlying spurs of the Cumberland mountains traversing it, 
it is mainly a high and healthy region. 

SOIL. • 

The soil is mostly a light, sandy loam mingled with clay. The sub- 
soil is mostly clay, though in some places it is sand. The valleys 
of the numerous creeks have a soil more or less alluvial. 

TIMBEU. 

Black oak, red oak, post oak, black-jack, chesnut, hickor}', and 
other woods, are .found on the uplands. On the lowlands, white 
oak, 'black walnut, elm, maple, sweet gum, black gum, hickory, pop- 
lar, buckeye, plum, cherr}-, asli, and other woods. The hazel, haw, 
blackberrj', dewberry-, strawberry, whortleberry, and other wild 
fruits, are common on upland andlowland. 

nOUNDAUIliS. 

Tallaliatchie river waters the southern boundary of tie county. 
It is not now navigated, although steamboats formerly ascended it 
as high as Wyatt, near the southern corner of the county. It has 
numerous tributaries flowing into it through the county. Among 
the creeks whose waters How into Tallahatchie arc Snow, Tii>i)ah, 
Chcwalla, Spring, Sallee, Oakchewalla and Black. Coldwater river 
lises in the northeast, and flows westward through the county. 
Numerous creeks How into it, among the more important of whicli 
are Redbank, Pigeonroost and Cuffoewa. The county is well 
watered. 



48 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



THE NEAT ORLEANS, CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS EAILROAD, 

passes through the county from north to south. Holly Springs, 
VVaterford, and Hudsonviilo, are towns in the count}^ on the line of 
that road. The projected road from ^lemphis to Selma, will trav- 
erse the county from west to east, crossing the other at Holly 
Springs. This road is graded between Memphis and Holly 
Springs, a distance of fort^ -fi\'c miliis. ^ 

PKODUCTIOXS. 

The farm productions are mainly cotton and corn. Peas, grains 
and grasses, however, do well. Clover, orchard, herds, blue, Ber 
muda, Lucerne, and other grasses, are successfully grown, though 
on a small scale as yet. The Bermuda is the onl}' grass which can 
be grazed in midsummer without risk of destroying. Oats, wheat, 
rye, barley, and millet are successfully cultivated. I know a small 
lot of clover and orchard grass that has been regularly cut for 
eight years without replanting, and looks well. And a small 
field of Bermuda that has cut not less than three tmes a year for 
fifteen years, in succession. On the best lands cotton will produce 
about 250 or 300 potinds lint per acre, and corn about 40 bushels. 

FRUITS. 

Peaches, pears, apples, plums, cherries, apricots, and other fruits 
grow and produce in profusion. Peaches are especially fine. In 
1877, I gathered my first Amsdon peach Juno 7th ; this year, 1878, 
I gathered the first May 25th. Many persons have entered largely 
into the culture of fruit near Holly Springs; and profits are rerj' 
large and cerfeain. Grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, 
and other small fruits, do y^eW. 

STOCK KAIS»MG. 

There are not many fine horses or fine cattle. It is, hovyevcr, a 
fine stock region, and a few enterprising farmers are taking an in- 
terest in improving the brt-eds. There are some pure blood Jersey 
cows, and many graded ones. Swine are mostly of good breeds, 
and do well. Sheep raising is also quite profitable. There is, as 
yet, no cheese or butter making, except on a small scale for tlie 
Holly Springs market. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 49 



SCHOOLS AND ClIUUCHES. 

The free schools are mimerous, well supported and fairly success- 
ful, although they are not of as high a grade as it is hoped they 
will be. There arc also a number of private high schools of the 
best description. In Holly Springs there are two girls' colleges, 
well supported, one of them Protestant, the other Roman Catholic. 
Churches of the various denominations are numerous. 

MANUFACTURES. 

There has not been developed much nianufacluring enterprise. 
This is largely due, however, to the high rate of interest brought 
b}' loaned mouc}'. Eighteen per cent, per annum is not uncommon. 
I have known a struggling wood factor}' to pay two per cent, per 
month. There are a number of earthware factories, several wagon 
factories, (one of them on a large scale, numerous 'flouring mills, 
and some less important enterprises. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

There are two weekly newspapers, the South and the Reporter. 

CULTIVATION OF TTIE SOIL. 

As a rule, farm work is done in a slovenly manner. The area of 
land improved and made more fertile year b\' year, is exceedingly 
small. Most farmers prefer taking five acres for making a bale of 
cotton rather than undertake to make one acre make three bales. 
The science of enriching is unknown, and manures are not valued 
or taken care of. The county could be made a garden spot. 

VALUE OF LANDS. 

Lands vary iuTaluo, according to quality, location and improve- 
ments, from $1 00 to $30 00 per ansro. Average lands can be 
bought from So 00 to $10 00. 

The citizens generally are rcad}^ to give a hearty welcome to all 
immigrants of a good character. In fact, they heartily desire that 
all persons in search of homes should give North Mississippi a 
trial. 

Yours resi>cctfully, 

IIowAiiD Falconer. 

Holly Sjirin'js, Miss. 

4 



SOUTHERN SECTION OF MISSISSIPPI. 



To Maj. E. G. Wall: 

In compHance with your request, I Avill try to give you a descrip- 
tion of tlie section of our State in which I am living. 

Pike count}^ is one of the most southern counties in the State, 
bounded on the south by the State of Louisiana, and it is traversed 
throughout its whole length by the Chicago, St. Louis and New 
Orleans railroad, thus aHording the best transportation facilities. 
It is about the center of the great Long Leaf Pine belt. This sec- 
tion is very valwable on account of the immense pine forests, 
which will cut 10,000 feet of lumber per acre. Also, on account of 
the great water-power facilities, there being more than 100 fine 
mill sites in this county which might be utilized for milling and 
manufacturing purposes. 

The streams are clear, perpetual flowing, of the purest freestone 
water, and are fed by never failing springs of the purest water. 
There are some fine "chalybeate" wells in tliis section. In point of 
health it is not surpassed by any country on the globe. 

In the matter of schools and churches we have evcrj- advantage 
that could be desired. We have within our county the flourishing- 
towns of Osyka, Magnolia, ^IcCorab City and Summit, situated on 
the railroad. At McComb City are situated the machine shops of 
the C, St. L. & N. 0. R. R., which employ constantly a large num- 
ber of industrious mechanics. 

The citizens arc peaceful and law-abiding and will welcome good 
and industrious immigrants from other States. Several have 
already settled in our county, and are well pleased with the lands 
and with their reception. 

Our soil is a sandy loam, underlaid with a fine strata, or subsoil 
of red clay, and consequently will bear high fertilizing and with 
proper culture is quite productive. There arc large areas of fine 
valley- and bottom lands, lying along the cverflowiug streams, that 
pass through our county, which are very fertile and productive. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 51 



FRUIT CULTURE. 

This soclioii is well adapted to fruit culture. reai-.s, apples, 
peaclies, plums and all tlie small fruits grow in great perfection and 
very seldom fail to yield an abundant crop. Strawberries were 
shipped to market from here about the last of March. 

VEGETABLE GAUDENS. 

For gardening purposes this section of the State cannot be sur- 
passed. We have had peas, Irish potatoes and snap beans the 10th 
of this month, (April.) In fact we can have good gardens all the 
winter. With proper care and attention, we can. raise wheat, rye, 
oats, barlev and all the grasses. 

STOCK-RAISING. 

In mj- opinion, the greatest value of the section, is its adaptatiou 
to stock-raising. The wild grass of the piiiey w^oods cannot be sur- 
passed even by the prairies of Texas. We do not feed our young 
stock through the winter and now they are all fine beef. Sheep 
require but little food, goats none at all during the winter months. 

STAPLK CROPS. 

In agriculture our [)rincipal crops are corn, ootlon, rice, sugar- 
cane, oats, potatoes, (both Irish and sweet) tobacco, millet and field 
peas. All we want to make this the garden State of the South is 
capital with intelligent and frugal labor. Lands are worth from $1 
to $10 per acre according to improvements and location. 

Yours truly, 

W. Vr. Valght. 
MoKjolia Pike Countrj, Misn. 



IMMIGRATION TO THE SOUTH. 



Below, will be found au able article from the pen of Capt. Charles 
H. Townsend, edit'or of the McComb City Intelligencer. Capt. 
Townsend entered the Union arm^^ from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and 
during the war between the States, served as Adjutant General on 
the staff of General Washburne. Since the war he has been sta- 
tioned at Memphis, Tennessee, and Holly Springs, Mississippi, and 
after leaving the Federal army has made his home in Mississippi. 
Like a braA'e Union soldier, he has the courage and manliness to da 
justice to the people of his adopted State: 

"We have been shown a letter from Mr. C. Menelas, who has 
recently purchased a large plantation near Brookhaven, to Major 
E. G. Wall, State Commissioner ot Immigration and Agriculture, 
in 'which he speaks of having just attended a meeting of the Far- 
mer's Club of the American Institute, New York. By invitation, 
Mr. Meneks addressed the meeting upon the capabilities of Mis- 
sissippi, and the inducements it presented for immigration from the 
North and elsewhere. He states that his remarks were attentively 
listened to, and much interest manifested in the advantages offered 
by the South, as depicted by Ir.m; but, at the same time, he could 
not fail to detect a feeling — indeed the opinion was openly expressed 
— that the settler from, the North would not be safe in the South, 
personally or politically; that freedom of opinion would not be tol- 
erated; that, if his political views did not accord with those of the 
community in which he had settled, he would be socially ostracized, 
and his position be rendered disagreeable if not absolutely unbear- 
able, and that he would, in fact, be subjected to personal insults, if 
not personal violence, should he venture to express antagonistic 
political opinions. 

We are heartily tired and disgusted with this everlasting cant 
about the danger to the Northerner in settling in the South. The 
immigrant does not hesitate to brave a life upon the wild Western 
frontier, cutting himself loose from friends, politics and society 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 53 

aud debarring liimsolf and his family from all tlio privileges of 
churches, schools and social intercourse, and trusting their lives to 
the tender mercies of the savage and the wild beast, and yet pro- 
fesses that he dare not avail himself of the balmy climate and fruit- 
ful soil of the South, for fear that his political opinions may be 
interfered with. Now this is all cant. The people of the South 
are neither" savages nor barbarians. They can distinguish between 
true men and professional vagabonds; and we know whereof we 
aflirm, when we say that any person, without regard to political 
opinions or creeds, wlio comes to the South and conducts himself 
in a manner that Avould be tolerated in any well-regulated commu- 
nity, will be received, respected and honored as he may merit. 

The South does not want politicians — no section does; but to the 
honest, industrious immigrant she offers untold advantages of cli- 
mate and soil. Her chief staples stand without rivals in the mar- 
kets of the w^orld. All the products of the Northern section of the 
Union, to which may be added an endless variety indigenous to 
more Southern latitudes, may be as profitably cultivated here as 
elsewhere. She has the command of the markets of the country-. 
With the aid of her complete system of railroads, her fruits and 
vegetables can be placed in the markets of the North long before 
their own products can be brought to compete with them, and 
owing to the prolonged season, they can be renewed b}' a second 
■crop after the limited season of the North has been exhausted. 

Upon the habitable globe there is no healthier clime; no soil that 
•will respond more generously to well directed labor and intelligent 
fertilization, and no place where the honest, intelligent immigrant 
will receive as cordial a welcome, or be more honored and respected 
than in the Southern States of the Union. 



GO TO NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI 



AND MAKE FOR YOURSELVFS HAPPY HOMES ON THE LINE OF THE MIS- 
SISSIPPI AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD — (bY THE HON. C. B. VANCE, 
BATESVILLE, PANOLA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI.) 



Northwest Mississippi stands prominent as an agricultural coun- 
try. In point of fertility of soil and variety of products, it is un- 
rivaled. 

The Mississippi and Tennessee railroad, one of the best con- 
ducted roads in the whole South, penetrates the heart of northwest 
Mississippi, running from Memphis, Tennessee, to Grenada, Mis- 
sissippi, a distance of one hundred miles. Upon the line of this 
road lies a country tliat is unexcelled in point of fertility and 
health, and there is no section that offers greater inducements to 
immigrants with small capital. The road passes directly through 
the counties of DeSoto, Tate, Panola, Yalobusha, and Grenada. 
These counties are composed of valley or table lands und uplands. 
The uplands are rolling and composed of a sandy loam, and very 
productive, while the table or valley lands are level and of a dark 
loam and of still greater fertility. The road runs preti^y much upon 
the dividing line between the table or valley lands and the uplands, 
giving to the settler the opportunity to select that character of land 
or location best suited to his taste and requirements. Every five 
or ten miles prosperous and healthy towns dot the line of this 
road. After leaving Memphis a distance of ten miles, the road 
strikes the State of Mississippi and enters the county of 



In this county, upon the line of the road, we have the towns of 
Horn Lake, Hernando and Ncsbits. Hernando is the county site 
and possesses advantages in the v/ay of health and good society- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 55 

All three of these towns are, however, in too close proximity to the 
city of Memphis, to be of much importance as business points. 
Following the road south, tlic next county we enter is 

TATE. 

This county, like DeSoto, is composed of both table and uplands, 
and possesses t\Vo nourishing towns — Coldwatcr and ^^natobia — 
each with a population of from eight hundred to one tl. 'Usand in- 
habitants. Both points do a considerable business v»-ith the sur- 
:i)unding country and ship annually a large amount of cotton. 

Tiic next county in ord'cr is 

PANOLA, 

One of the banner counties of the State. This is one of the larg- 
est and most fertile counties in tlie State, and possesses no less than 
live nourishing towns upon the line of the Mississippi and Ten- 
nessee railroad, which passes directly tlirough the center. The first 
is Como, a town of about two hundred inhabitants, and a number 
of staunch business houses and a very intelligent class of citizens. 
The country in the vicinity of Como is a high table laud slightly 
undulating and very desirabie as a farming country. The next 
town is Sardis, the county site, with a population of from twelve 
to fifteen hundred, with churches, schools and a refined and hospi- 
table people. Thence a few miles south and v/e cross the the Tal- 
lahatchie river, a stream whose valley is exceedingly fertile. Ten 
miles south of Sardis the town of Batcsville is situated, a town of 
eight hundred or one thousand inhabitants, with churclies, schools 
and a tiirifty, enterprising and hospitable people. Sardis and 
Batcsville botli possess excellent high schools, one under the man- 
agement of Prof. Rainwater and the other under the management 
of Prof. Sutton, botli highly accomplished and .successful educa- 
tors. The lands in the immediate vicinity of Batcsville 'are both 
uplands and valley, exceedingly rich and adapted to all cliaracter of 
farming. Then follows tlie towns of Courtland and Popes, six and 
ten miles, respectively, south of Batcsville. These arc enterprising 
towns of from two to three hundred inhabitants, with good busi- 
ness houses, churches, schools, etc. The country immediately in 
the vicinity of these towns is rolling, but ricU and settleil up with 
small farms; l)ut a few miles west, the country becomes more level, 
in fact it is a feature of all tlie country lying west of the rnilroad. 



5S STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

of a more level and fertile character. The towns of Courtland and 
Popes do a considerable business in timber. The line timber is one 
of the special features of Panola count}', composed of white oak, 
cypress, poplar, and sweet gum, and grows in large quantities, es- 
pecially in the vicinity of Batesville, Courtland and Popes. This 
timber v/ould prove a golden harvest to the enterprising lumber- 
man, where both railroad and water facilities are ofFered for ship- 
ping to market. 

The emigrant will find no more desirable spot to locate than In 
the confines of Panola county. Good lands partially improved, 
fenced and under cultivation, from tv^'o to ten miles of the line of 
railroad, can bo bought at prices ranging from $5 00 to $10 00 per 
acre, and on easy payments. Tracts specially desirable and nearer 
the towns, range some higher. 

Passing still further south, on the line of tlie railroad, we come 
to the county of 

YALOBUSHA. 

This county is more broken and rolling than the counties al- 
ready enumerated, but the lands are productive and the county 
healthy. Yalobusha county possesses a number of small but en- 
terprising towns. The two principal of which are Harrison and 
Oakland, each with a population of from tliree to four hundred. 

The next county on the line of tlie road is 

GRENADA. 

The count}' site of which is the town of Grenada, with a population 
of twenty-five hundred or three thousand, and of considerable im- 
portance as a business point. Grenada is the southern terminus of 
the Mississippi and Tennessee road, and where it forms a junction 
with the Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans railroad. 

The Mississippi and Tennessee railroad, strictly speaking, passes 
directly through the center of northwest Mississippi. No western 
country offers so great advantages to the iairaigrant as northwest 
Mississippi; with railroad facilities, school and social advantages 
and fertility of soil, taken into consideration, cheaper and better 
houses and lands, are offered to tlie immigrant than is offered in 
any State west of the Mississippi river, with similar advantages. 

The principal products of the counties above enumerated, are cot- 
ton and corn, yielding from fifteen to forty bushels of corn per 
acre, and from one-third to one bale of cotton per acre. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



Tlie bottom counties arc those that lie upon aud adjacent to tlie 
Mississippi river, and arc DeSoto, Tunica, Coahoma, Bolivar, Tal- 
lahatchie and Q'.ntman. These counties are all bottom lands with 
the exception of the eastern portion of Tallahatchie aud DeSoto, 
which is u[)land and rolling-. There arc no richer lauds in the 
world than is found in these counties. The soil is a black sand}' 
loam aud adapted to a large variety' of products. But cotton and 
corn are the chief crops grown, corn yielding from thirty to sev- 
enty-five bushels per acre, and cotton from one-half to one and a half 
bales of cotton per acre- There is some malarial sickness in the 
summer seasons, in the uncleared sections, but in tlie portions 
where the lands are under cultivation, the inhabitants enjoy, com- 
paratively speaking, good health, but upon the line of the railroad, 
in the valleys and uplands, the inhabitants tujoy unsual good 
health, there being little fatal sickness. 

Northwest Mississippi is well adapted to a great many different 
products. A great variety of grasses, fruits and gi-ain^grow in the 
greatest profusion when proper care aud attention is given them, 
aud it is evident that if tlie same thorough system of preparation 
and cultivation and improved agricultural implements were 
adopted here as in the North and Northwestern States, this coun- 
try would be one of the most productive and prosperous on the 
globe. The people of Mississip!)i are fully twenty-five years be- 
hind the Northern States in the use of improved agricultural im- 
plements and machinery. Tiie system of preparation and cultiva- 
tion is crude and imperfect. It is a notable fact tliat the soil is 
seldom broken deeper than two and a half inches; a small mule 
and a one-horse cast plow is the only implement used in bi'eaking 
and preparing the land; yet with all this imperfect method of 
farming the lands yield well, but with the advent of Northern and 
Northwestern farmers, with their thorough system of deep prepa- 
ration and the use of more improved implements, the lands would 
yield witii an abundance never dreamed of by the m^n who simply 
scratches the surface. We have known in Panola county where a 
small lot of land was given extra preparation and cultivation with 
fertilizers from the barn^-ard, yielding over one hundred bushels of 
corn to the acre, a fact which goes to show what could be accom- 
plished if the [iroper method and means were used. The Northern 
farmer could make corn in this country (and as great in quantity 
as could 1)0 made in the Northern States) and realize fi'om fifty 
cents to one dollar [)er bushel at the crib, from tlie veiy lanrentable 



58 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



fact that the fanning community in this country invariably neglect 
their grain crops for their cotton crops. Always putting too small 
an acreage of corn and neglecting it if their cotton crop becomes 
endangered. Clover and a large variety of grasses grow finely in 
ihis section ; but little attention is given to stock raising. 

Northern farmers moving to this country and devoting them- 
selves to grain, grass and stock farming, would reap a golden har- 
vest. The lands here would yield in grain equal to the best lands in 
the Northern States if given the same preparation and cultivation, 
and a market would be found right at his door for all his surplus 
grain and stock. The native inhabitants have never been accus- 
tomed to grain and stock raising and are slow to comprehend the 
grand profits and advantages to be derived from it, and in conse- 
C|uence an opening is given to the energy and enterprise of the 
northern farmer who is familiar with that method. Grass and 
grain can be grown in this latitude that will give grazing feed for 
stock the whole year round. Little shelter and little extra feed is 
required for stock from the fact of tlie mild and open winters. 
Out door work can be carried on all winter, an advantage that 
could not be too higlil}" appreciated. 

The Mississippi and Tennessee railroad, under the supervision 
of courteous and able officials, is kept in first-class condition and 
the most liberal reduction made to ])ona fide immigrants in rates of 
charges, etc. 

Immigrants seeking homea in Northwest Mississippi can reach 
their destination coming b^* way of Cincinnati by water or rail to 
Memphis, or by way of Louisville or Richmond on the Memphis 
and Charleston roads to Memphis, whore a junction is made with 
the Mississippi and Tennessee road, or on the Chicago, St. Louis 
and New Orleans road to Grenada, Mississippi, the point of the 
soutliern terminus of the Mississippi and Tennessee road. 

All of these loads otfer extreme low rates to all immigrants set- 
tling in the State. 

The State of Mississippi is free from debt, a matter of great con- 
sideration to those seeking homes and relief from the burthens of 
taxes. The taxes in most all the counties in the State are at a ver.y 
low rate. The taxes in Panola county, (Strte and county all 
told,) last year was only seventy-five cents on the hundred doUars, 
and with a prospect of a still greater reduction in the future. 

Immigrants will find that a kind reception will be given them by 
the people of Mississippi, and that law and or 'or reigns as supreme 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND ^VANT^ 



iu Mississippi as in the best regulated States North, uotwithstaiid- 
ing idle rumors to the contrar}'. 

This section has no grasshoppers, no protracted drouths, none 
of those plagues that brings disaster upon the fanning interest as 
in the prairie countries of the West. 

Parties wishing to purchase farms or lands in Northwest Missis- 
sippi, will receive all necessary information by addressing C. B. 
Vance, Batesville, Panola count}', Mississippi, or Lonsdale ct Co., 
ifemphis, Tennessee. 

But parties desiring to locate ••vould do well to visit the section 
in person and examine for themselves. 

The city of Memphis is only a few hours' run from any section 
on the Mississippi and Tennesse railroad, a city of considerable im- 
portance as a commercial point, where merchandise and produce 
could be bought at the lowest rates, and an excellent market for 
every character of product raised by the farmers upon the line of 
the Mississippi and Tennessee railroad. 



"STRAWBERRY CULTURE 

AT MADISOX STATION, MADISON COUNTY, 3IISS. 



The following ailicle from the able pen of Dr. H. McKay, one of 
the most successful small fruit growers in the South, will be read 
with interest by the fruit growers of the West and Northwest, as 
well by those of our 'own State : 

Strawberry culture, in Mississippi, other than for home use, and 
an indefinite, badly shaped local supply, is of recent conception and 
more recent execution. Indeed, it was not generally believed that 
our Southern soil and climate were well adapted to the growth and 
perfection of the more-tender and delicate small fruits. The first 
efforts to grow them on a liberal scale, for the distant markets, met 
with more ridicule than encouragement from even the most intelli- 
gent fruit growers and the fruit commission merchants of distant 
cities. 

In 1869, the writer, a liberal grower of small and large fruits in 
Southwestern Kentucky, selected this locality with a definite idea 
and fixed purpose to grow small fruits, on a large scale for the 
Northern and Western markets. Not until the beginning of 1873, 
was he in the right shape to begin to execute this idea and purpose 
with the hope of faiily and fully testing them. 

Commencing with one acre of strawberries of the Wilson variety, 
badly shaped and a broken stand, he found even the berries from 
this one acre, too many to be successfully handled in our local mar- 
ket, and determined in the early days of 1873, to try the shipment 
of 100 quarts to Chicago. The merchant received and sold them, 
and returned me as the net profit $2 50 with the statement that he 
feared the distance was too great to successfully carry a fruit so 
delicate and perishable. I made the same season a i'ew other dis- 
tant shipments, with about similar results and discouragement. 

In 1874, other shipments were made to Chicago and Louisville, 
and with the exception of a few consignments to Chicago, no 
encouraainir results were obtained. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 61 

In 1875. having one acre, good stand, in choice shape, I began 
picking and shipping about the 20th of April, to Chicago, St. Louis 
and Cincinnati, but mainly to Chicago, and when I closed lU}^ last 
shipments which were sent to Vicksburg, about the middle of June, 
I had gathered and shipped 3200 quarts, netting me over S1200. 
This success removed all doubts and silenced all sneers, as to the 
adaptation of our soil and climate and the carrying quality of the 
berrv, when gathered at the right stage and properly handled and 
packed. From a few acres, probably not over 10, from 3[ilan, in 
Tennessee, to Lake Manshac, La., forty miles above New 'Orleans, 
its culture has been increased until now it is estimated at full 500 
acres, along the line of the Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans 
railroad. The writer having increased his to about 35 acres. The 
net proceeds, however, greatly diminishing with increased culture, 
competition and hardness of the times. 

PLANTIXG AXD CCLTUKE. 

My mode of planting and culture is as simple as in any part of 
the North or West, yet differing in some respects. 

Having selected fair medium land with good 3'ellow, or red cla\' 
basis, latter preferred, and if practicable gently sloping to the south 
or southeast — we plough and harrow thoroughly and throw into 
ridges or beds, as if for cotton or corn; l.nit letting the middle of 
the bed rest upon two deep subsoil farrows, and elevated three to 
live inches above the general level, rows being three to three and a 
half feet wide and run in such direction to give good drainage. 
Then, the plants are set in the center of these beds, from twelve to 
fifteen inches apart and about an inch deeper than thc}^ had for- 
merly set, as it will be found that the ground will settle more than 
the plant. For early planting I prefer October and November, for 
later Februar}' and March, inclusive, make some berries th(5 follow- 
ing spring, generally, 100 to .300 quarts per acre, which, however? 
are not well suited for market, being more sappy and trashy from 
growing closer to the ground. If we wisii to have the benefit of 
these berries, we give them only surface work witli a sharp hoe, 
and commence the regular working after tlie crop is gathered. If 
this crop is disregarded and work commenced earlier, the stools 
would be stronger and go through our warm, dr}- season better. 

Whether we v/ork early or late, the work should continue, upon 
thin land, until the middle of July, if on rich land until the first of 
xiuurust. 



G2 STATE OF JIISSISSIPPI. 

We usually give, two or three workings with the plow, following 
each time with the lioe. The sub-soil plow is run in the bottom of 
the turn plow I'urrov/ and the Uiiul tliorouglily broken and pulver- 
ized at least eight or ten inches deep. The grass is then allowed to 
grow for winter protection and to keep the berries clean. No fur- 
ther work except very light surface hoeing until after the crop is 
gathered the following spring. 

Owing to our long bearing season, often extending to the 15th of 
June, we do not deem it prudent to cultivate old stools before fall, 
unless more rain than usual. To disturb the old stools in the very 
hot dry weather after an exhaustive crop has been picked, endan- 
gers the strength and life of the plant. To do other than very light 
surface work during the fruiting season, gives us sandy, trash}^ 
berries not lit for market. If the land is rich or highly fertilized, 
to keep the weeds and grass down we will have to work v/he n work 
ought not to be done. Hence, we prefer niedium, to thin land, and 
say that rich soil or high fertilizing in this latitude are "sliarp 
tools" to be handled with great care by the best skilled. 

It is my deliberate and settled conviction that cheaper and better 
berries can be made in this latitude on medium or thin land, than 
on rich or highly fertilized. A little manure timely and judiciously 
applied so that the plants may have the benefit of it during the 
fruiting season, v/ill as a rule, give a Utile better fruit results; but 
it ought to be so applied as to be well near exhausted by the close 
of the fruiting season. 

The strong points in successful Southern strawberry culture will 
be found in planting on medium land and timely und deep culture. 
This is especially true on the marly lands of Central Mississippi 
and similar localities, where it v/ill be found that not only straw- 
berries but other small fruits will flourish and be as successfull.y and 
profitably raised as upon any other lands on the continent. 

The net profits of this business must depend upon the relative 
cost of production and price obtained. It would be diPacult to find 
combined better latitudinal and transportation advantages than in 
this portion of Mississippi, and I confidently assert that the straw- 
berry under skillful management, to sa}'^ nothing of our cheaper 
lauds, can be grown more profitably' in Mississippi than in more' 
Northern States. 

From land that with good culture would not yield over 20 bushels 
of corn, or half bale of cotton, I have gathered the same season 
100 bushels of berries, without any fertilizing of any kind, or at 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND AVANTS. G3 

any time, unless we ma}- call deep culture a process of fertilizing. 
From my own experience and observation, I am fully aware that 
i-ume ul" the above ideas aro nut correct as applied to Norllicrn or 
Western strawiierry culture and success, nor even in harmony with 
Southern teaching and practice, yet I hold them as sound for Cen- 
tral Mississippi and similar localitito. Hence our Northern and 
Western friends, whose coming we will welcome most cordially, 
must not be too fully persuaded of the soundness of all their ideas 
as applicable to this latitude and soil, but be willing to learn things 
in Mississippi. For success to new-comers some of our central 
ideas and deductions, may be valuable helps. 

VAUIETIES TO PLANT. 

Out of something over 20 varieties tested and being tested, cov- 
ering the most approved of the old and those of most prominence 
among the new, we have not yet found a variety so well suited to 
our latitude, soil and wants as AVilsou's Improved Albau}'. At pres- 
ent Capt. Jack promises to become its strongest rival, while for local 
;vnd home use. Monarch of the West, Duchesse, Great American, 
i'orest Rose and some other varieties, promise well, being larger 
and liner flavor, and when fresh will generally command higher 
prices. Among the varieties put on trial this season, none give 
evidences of greater strength and vigor than Cumberland, Triumph 
and Crescent seedlings. 

While it is not unwise to cautiously try all the uew varieties 
claiming merit, it is sound policy and wisdom to hold fast to the old, 
that have stood the test of years and still hold the front rank — giv- 
ing us in this latitude our earliest as well as our latest berries — this 
.season giving us good fruit for ninet}' days. If some of our new 
and largest varieties should be as much improved by acclimation as 
the Wilson, they will prove to be most valuable acquisitions. In 
no localit}-. North or SoutLi, have I seen more vigorous and healthy 
peach and plum trees or finer developed fruits of both kinds than in 
Central Mississippi, or this locality. 

HEALTH IN MISSISSIITi. 

Having i)racticed medicine thirteen years in Kentucky, and eleven 
in Mississippi, I feel safe in asserting that the aggregate amount of 
sickness in Mississippi is less in proportion to population than in 
Kentucky. Our malarial diseases l)eing generall}' milder in form. 



64 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



shorter in duration and easier managed. Our respirator^' diseases 
much less frequent and troublesome. The Northern and Western 
idea of two or three years of acclimation and as many or more 
attacks of bilious fevers is erroneous, being no more liable to the 
same diseases here, from the same influences than in tlieir native 
places. 

H. E. IMcKay. 
Madison Station, Misa., 



THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI BASIN. 



Friar's Point, Miss. 

Maj. E. G. Wall: 

Dear Sir — There is no section of the South which exteuds 
more invitations to the immigrant who is seeking a permanent home 
where every product can be grown, and stock of cverv! kind raised 
with little labor than Coahoma county, and the other counties of 
the ]Missisbippi basin. Having been within the last twenty years 
reclaimed fom the .uinual inundations of the Mississippi river, 
which drowned out, and destroyed the crops and stock, it is as yet 
a comparatively new country, not more than one-sixth of its lands 
being in a state of cultivation, and at least one-half of the same 
can now be purchased at a mere nominal sum. 

COAHOMA COUNTY 

Lies on the bank of the Mississippi river, about seventy miles south 
of Memphis, Tennessee, and is on the upper border of the famous 
cotton belt, which is decidedly the best portion of said bolt for 
raising cotton, for while it is too far north for the boll-worm and 
other insects which prey upon the plant in its growing state, it is 
far enough south to escape tlie early frosts which so frequenth' play 
sad havoc with the mora northern cotton regions. The land pro- 
duces upon an average about a bale of cotton to the acre — from 
thirty to sixty bushels of corn — from twenty-five to forty bushels 
of wheat or oats, and the exi>criencc of the last few years has 
demonstrated that wheat can be raised here with as little danger of 
failure from rust and blight as anywhere else. 

PKUITS OF EVERY CUARACTER ' 

Grow to perfection here — and arc easil}- kojjt during v.intcr, and in 
raising fruit the country is rapidly improving, for within the last 
two years, nearly every farmer and planter, under the inspiration of 
5 



QQ STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



the Grange, have set out an orchard upon which they are bestowing 
great care and skill, and in another year we will have an abundance 
of fine fruit. 

The river is accessible from every portion of the county, and by 
means of it we are in direct communication with the entire world. 

The country is interlaced with a number of small streams, which 
abound in fish of every kind known to the southwestern waters, and 
during the last month these streams have been stocked with shad 
by the United States Commissioners. It is no unusual thing to 
catch from forty to fifty pounds of fisli a day with the hook and 
line. 

Game of every kind, from the bear to the squirrel, are in abund- 
ance. 

While it is objected by those who take a mere superficial view of 
the country, that our cleared lands are generally in large bodies — 
the objection is untenable; for nearly all of our large plantations 
can be easily divided into several small farms with a suitable 
dwelling spot and a sufficiency of wood and water for each. These 
lands can be purchased at from twenty to one hundred dollars per 
acre, according to the condition of the owner. 

STOCK KAISING. 

There is no country in the world better adapted to raising cattle 
and hogs. The grass supplies grazing sufficient to keep them fat 
during the summer and fall, while the dense cane brakes furnish 
the finest winter feeding in the world. Hogs live and keep fat upon 
the wild acorns and pecans, and the writer now has more than a 
hundred, to Vv'hich he has never fed more than ten bushels of corn, 
and he can cite a number of droves of cattle that have cost their 
owners nothing to raise them, except a few hand fulls of salt once 
or twice a week; and what is true of cattle in this respect, is also the 
case with horses and mules. 

GRASSES OF EVERY KIND, 

For ha}', grow to perfection, but the Bermuda alone does well for 
grazing. This grass grows witliout cultivation, and after being 
once sodded will afford a greater amount ol' grar.iug than any 
grass in the world, and with this for the summer and the cane for 
the winter, horses, mules and cattle keep fat during the entire year 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. G7 



Our country is sLiRkk'tl with cyiji'ess brakes and oak forests, willi 
I'rom one hundred to two hundred trees to the acre, and now that 
the country has begun to improve and build up, an experienced 
rail! man, with a good mill, could easily coin them into a fortune. 

A few of our people have experimented in the cultivation of the 
grape, but so far grape culture has nDt proved successful. 

We have but few public improvements, but of those which we 
have I will mention the iMobilc and Northwestern railroad, which, 
although as yet, is in its infancy, begins upon the east bank of the 
]Mississippi river at a point opposite Helena, Arkansas, runs in a 
southeasterly direction through the county. Its officers, Captain 
Lyon, Colonel Stousel and jMr. Flj-nn, arc energetic men, and 
within the last year have completed about twelve miles of the 
i-oad, and by the coming fall will have it completed as far as Clarkcs- 
dalc, in the southeastern portion of the county. At this i)lace 
Mr. John Clark has erected a large Hour mill. Near this place is 
located the Clarkesdale Grange, olhcered by a corps of large plant- 
ers and their elegant ladies, all of whom take great interest in the 
movements designed to unite the farmers into a common brother- 
hood. 

FRIAKS POINT, 

The county site, which is perhaps the prettiest town of its size on 
the banks of the Mississippi, has a population of about one thous- 
and inhabitants. At this place is located a large oil mill which 
gives employment tt) about forty men. We have in progress of or- 
ganization a company which proposes to run a railroad from this 
])lace eastward, and by fall it is expected that the neigh of tlie iron 
horse will be heard in several portions of our count}', as he winds 
his way to the Mississippi heavily laden with the products of our 
fertile lands. From the above brief sketch of our count}', you 
will see that we have labor for every class, from the axman to the 
most skillful machinist and artisan of ever}- kind. 

We have common schools in reach of ever}' child in the county, 
with :l corps of good and eflicient teachers, and the schools are 
kept ojicn five months of the year. 

Yours trulv, II. T. Keid. 



Jones, Perry, Covington and Other Counties. 



Maj. E. G. Wall : 

Dear Sir — In this fast age every locality is anxious to know 
where the balance of mankind is, what they are doing, and how 
they do it; and especially to know if it pays. This idea has 
prompted me to say a few things for your journal about what I 
know of Southeast Mississippi. Having resided in the county of 
Jones from 18-12 to 1S68 I profess to know something of its soil, 
climate, productions, health, resources, etc. In the first place the 
country is moderately undulating, with no very high hills or impen- 
etrable swamps. The soil is generally of a sandy texture, enough 
so to be pleasant to cultivate. Produces corn, cotton, rice, oats, 
sweet and Irish potatoes, sugar-cane, in fact all field crops, and 
rewards the farmer for his labors. 

GARDEN VEGETABLES 

Of ever}' description flourish. Peaches, figs and scup[>ernong, are 
in their native element in this county. Apples do well. 

THERE ARE SEVERAL STREAJIS 

Kunning through the couut}^ of nufficient width and depth to float 
the pine timber, of which it surpasses in quantitj' and quality an^' 
portion of the Southern States. It will average in lumber, board 
measure, per acre 5000 feet. This is now becoming one of the 
great industries of southeast Mississippi, from June to November. 
At this season of the year, the teams support themselves on the 
native grass, and do the work of the hauling of the timber. 

WILD TIMBER LAND 

Eanges in ynice from fifty cents to one dollar per acre, owing to 
proximity to the creek for rafting. Along the margin of creeks 
there is extensive bottoms of fertile soil, timbered, v^'ith white oak> 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 60 



hickoiy, ash, beech, gum, elm and magnolia, with a thiclc under- 
growth. 

THE HILLS AND VALLEYS 

Are covered with tall 3-ellow long leaf pine trees, no undergrowth 
but grass. This grass sustains large herds of cattle and sheep sum- 
mer and winter. It is demonstrated that sheep husbandr}- pays 
with careless management sixty per cent, on the capital invested. 

GAME. 

The creeks abound with fish, the woods with deer, turkeys, fox, 
raccoon, opossum and skunk, some wild cats. The bear, wolves 
and panther, have long since been exterminated. 

POPULATION. 

Except the margin of the creeks, the county is sparsely popula- 
ted; neighborhoods convenient for schools and churches. The pop- 
ulation plain and unassuming, none wealth}^ but self-sustaining and 
independent and hospitable to a fault. 

THE CLIMATE IS MILD. 

Winters warm and short, rarely ever snows, and never lies on the 
ground more than twenty-four hours. Corn planting on all uplands 
about the first of March. Wheat, rye and oats in October and 
November, and harvested in Mav and June. A great many bold, 
free-stone water springs and water of the common kind is generally 
had b}' digging to the depth of twenty to thirty feet. Scarcely any 
rock of any kind; all building material is wood and brick. 

The streams afford ample water for extensive manufacturing 
establishments. 

The health of the countv will compare favorabl}' with any por- 
tion of the South. Chills, some seasons, prevail. 

FUTURE I'ROSPECTS. 

The survey for the New Orleans, or Northeastern a)id Chatanooga 
Railroad runs diagonally from northeast to southwest in Jones 
count}', and is regaided as a railroad necessity, and at no very dis- 
tant day will be built. Also the late charter for the Ship Island 
Riplc}' and Kcntuclcy railroad on an air line will center this county, 



70 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



running north and south. These two lines crossing near the cen- 
ter of this county would make it the Atlanta of Southeast jMissis- 
sippi. 

The foregoing description of the county ot Jones will apply to 
Perr}^, the western part of Wayne, the eastern part of Covington, 
northeastern part of Marion, all of Greene, and the northern parts 
of Harrison and Jackson; and I suppose tlic county of Hancock 
might be added. 

J. E. Welborn. 

Shuhuta, Miss., JIcuj 28, 1878. 



FACTORIES AND MANUFACTURING. 



On this subject wo take some extracts from tlie able ;i(.ldress ot' 
Geu. A. M. West, of H0II3' Springs, Miss., delivered nt the Inter- 
uational Exhibition, Philadelphia, Pa., July 10, 1S7C. General 
West was selected as the Centennial orator to deliver a:, address on 
the history and resources of the State of Mississippi. 

3IISSISSIPPI MILLS. 

In 184:7, Col. J. 'M. Wesson of Georgia, organized a company i'or 
manufacturing cotton and woolen goods, corn-meal and tlour, and 
located the same year, in Mississippi, aud commenced operations in 
1848. This enterprise was eminently successful. It commenced 
with a capital of $50,000, and within a few years increased the same 
to $300,000. It was destroyed by the Federal army in 1864. Col. 
Wesson, encouraged by previous success, located, after the war, in a 
vast pine forest, in Copiah county, and named the place "Wesson," 
and entered at once upon the erection of suitable factory buildings, 
which he soon furnished with machiner}- and put into operation. 
These mills were destroyed by fire, and were then rebuilt by Mr. E. 
Richardson, the present owner. There are uow in operation, nine 
thousand spindles for cotton and woolen goods; six sets of woolen 
machinery ; one hundred looms for manufacturing woolen fabrics, 
including a great variety of doe-skins, cassimeres, jeans, lindseys 
and tweeds, ranging in price from 25 cents to $1 per yard. "There 
are 234 looms for manufacturing cotton goods, including brov;n 
sheeting and shirtings, osnaburgs and drilling, bed-ticking, hickory 
stripes, plaids, ginghams, cottonadcs and checks, and cotton wraps; 
both S2wing-threads and knitting yarns are also manufactured to a 
verj' large extent. Five hundred persons arc employed and appear 
to be healthy and happy, (^uito a large town is growing up around 
the mills. There is a demand for all the goods they can make, and 
they are unable to keep up with orders for several stylo.?. Large 
sales arc made in tlie Western States and in New York, and what is 



72 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



better, it has a large local and home patronage; thus demonstrating 
that cotton can be more ceonomicallj^ manufactured in the imme- 
diate vicinity of its production than elsewliere. • 

The confidence begot b\^ these successes, has organized and is 
organizing itself into various enterprises ia the State, (or manufac- 
turing almost every article of domestic use. Forest timber; the 
productions of the fields, gardens and orchards; steam and water; 
the cotton-gin, flouring mills; the spindles, looms and machinery; 
labor, skill, enterprise and capital, are being rapidl}'' brought into 
convenient proximity to each other, and, at the same time, near to 
great natural and artificial highways of trade, travel and commerce; 
practically recognizing the superior agricultural, horticultural, pas- 
toral and manufacturing advantages of Mississippi. Cotton, sugar, 
molasses, Indian corn, wheat, rye, oats, peas, vegetables, grapes, 
berries, rice, oranges, bananas, peaches, pears, quiaces, apples, cher- 
ries, plums and other fruits; wool, beet, hides, pork, sweet and 
Irish potatoes; clover, timothy, herd, orchard, bermuda and other 
grasses, grow in luxuriant abundance. Her lands, as has been 
shown, are fertile and well watered and timbered, with a vast forest 
of great commercial value. These lands are varied bj^ hills, valleys, 
plains, swamps and prairies. The alluvial lands of Mississippi and 
Yazoo bottoms, are surpassingly rich; and, when i)rotected b}" 
levees from overflow of water, and reclaimed by drainage, and sub- 
jected to enlightened agriculture, will produce not less than two 
millions of bales of cotton annuall}', and three million bushels of 
corn; worth at present prices, $120,000,000. 

The climate of Mississippi is that happy medium where the pro- 
ducts of the North and South meet, grow and mature in harmou}' 
with the necessities, and many of the luxuries of life. No country 
is more regularly irrigated by rain-falls, or better supplied with 
aqueous vapor than Mississippi. The moisture and humidity so 
necessary to the life and growth of vegetation, are borne from the 
warm bosom of the Gulf stream, and from her various rivers, and 
diffused throughout her borders; her lands are so varied in their 
physical formation, location, and production, as to suit all classes 
and conditions of society. These lands are now cheap; ranging 
from government price, to from $1 to $30 per acre; value being reg- 
ulated b}' improvements, location, quality and quantity. Tiie labor 
of the State is sufiicient for all agricultural purposes, and b}' reason 
of its long experience, and thorough identification with the climate 
and soil, it is the best in the world. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 73 

There is also, a large class of its population suited to the labor 
of the factories. 

v: ^V * -S: ^V ^ * ^: ;|; ifr '.': -f: 

During- the late civil war, Mississippi was devastated and scourged 
by contending armies, and paralyzed by military dominance; as, 
also, by the consequent corruption and lawlessness that followed 
the close of the war. But the people, with high resolve, irrespec- 
tive of party, race or color, rose in the majesty of their power to 
suppress lawlessness, and rescue their State from the vortex of 
ruin, and restore it to the prerogatives of governrrent, law and 
order. She is now redeemed, ancf all radiant with the glor}' of the 
achievement — "stronger by exertion, more virtuous by her alUic- 
tions, wiser b\- experience," and more national in sentiment; and, 
I'aving reorganized her political institutions, in accordance with tlic 
amended Constitution of the United States, and in harmony with 
that new phase of civilization which marks this as the beginning 
of a new epoch in her history, she has, by the amazing industry, 
energy and self-denial of her people, partially recovered from the 
devastations of the late civil war of four years duration. Aston- 
ishing must bo the effects produced l)y the combined influences of 
so many happy causes of restored civil government with a hopeful 
prospect of long continued peace, fertile lands, varied productions, 
rivers and seas, railroads and factories, Christian churches, numer- 
ous charitable and benevolent societies, schools, and the means of 
education; good health in two-thirds of the State, with asalubiious 
climate and balm}' air — that inspires genius in the young, hope in 
the invalid, and jo}- in the aged. The aits and sciences, in intel- 
lectual culture, and whatever of prosperity and wealth may be 
expected to follow these manifold advantages and blessings, will, in 
the march of events, flcurish in manly maturity, and must, from 
the very nature of things, be generall}' diffused among the people; 
and as power and influence cannot be long separated from wealtii 
and intelligence, thereby establishing, upon a durable basis, that 
political c<iuality and those well-balanced influences so necessary to 
good government and the perpetuity of free institutions, we most 
cordially invite the worthy inhabitants of the several States, and 
foreign countries, to come unite tlieir fortunes Avith ours, and share 
these blessings with us, and under their ])enign intlnences, go on to 
the accomplishment of all the grand objects of peace and progres- 
sion. 



74 STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



Ill addition to the above able and eloquent remarks of Gen. A. 
M. West, we will enumerate below some other efforts to^yards 
establishiuf^' cotton and woolen factories in Jlississippi. 

STONEWALL COTTON FACTORY. 

This factory is situated near Enterprise in Clarke county, Miss. 
It consumes annually about 1,300 bales of cotton, converting the 
raw material into 3-4, 7-8 and 4-4 brown domestics, yarns and bat- 
ting. Number of hands employed in mill averages 100, in cutting 
wood, etc., 25. Machinery in mill, 28 carding machines; 3,168 
spindles, 100 looms and other machinery to correspond. Factor}^ 
owns 1074- acres land. Amount of wages paid mill operatives, 
wood-choppers and haulers about $25,000 annually. Whole num- 
ber of yards of goods made annually, 1,500,000. Amount of starch 
consumed, about 1,500 pounds. T. S. Wainright, Superinfendent, 
Stonewall, Clarke county. Miss. 

WANITA COTTON AND WOOLEN MILLS. 

Wanita is just seven miles northwest of Enterprise, Clarke county. 
Miss. The mill owns 600 acres of splendidly timbered land, about 
100 of which is in a fine state of cultivation. The factory has a 
new Turbine water wheel with 23 feet head water. The main 
building is of wood solidly built, two stories high, has 1,500 cotton 
spindles, 32 cotton looms, 4 woolen looms and full machinery 
necessary to operate the whole. There is sufficient room in the 
building and water power in abundance to run double the machinery 
now in use. There is a store-house on the premises and a first-class 
location for a country store. Also the necessary buildings for the 
operatives and an excellent residence for the Superintendent. The 
mill building is heated by steam and the facilities for dyeing are 
complete. All that is needed to make the Wanita IMills good pay- 
ing property is a small amount of capital. 

NATCHEZ COTTON FACTORY. 

The company is composed of home men with home capital and 
they have erected a very commodious and handsome building which 
is un ornament to our already beautiful cit}-. The Secretary has 
furnished me with the following memorandum, which I take pleas- 
ure in sending you : Capacity of mill — 4,025 spindles, 128 looms, 
running at present 3,840 spindles and 110 looms. Number of hands 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 75 

employed at present about 100. la two weeks all the looms will be 
at work with an accession of 25 hands. Turned out in month of 
May 144,000 yards of cotton cloth. 

STANSBURY COTTON AND WOOLEN MILLS. 

These mills are situated near CarrollLon, Carroll county, 3Iiss., 
in a healthy and delightful climate, witli a rich and productive 
count}' surrounding them. A profitable investment can be made 
in this property. The main building, substantially built, is of brick, 
2-^ stories high, 320 feet long and 12S feet wide. 

:\iACiiiNi:uY. 

One pair of Corliss &, Co.'s horizontal high pressure steam 
engines, IS inch cylinders, 42 inches stroke, 204 horse-power. 
Picker and card rooms complete. Spinning room, 11 spinning 
frames, 144 spindles each. Weave room, 72 looms, Dresser room 
complete. Wool room complete. Dye-room, fulling mill tubs and 
pipes complete. Engine room — 1 superior engine lathe and tools 
for same, 1 gear cutter, 1 planing machine, 1 tongue and groover? 
and one circular saw and table. Also, attached a grist and saw 
mill. 

This property is entirely free from incumbrance. We have em- 
ployed at this time about 80 operatives when running full capacity 
employ 500 hands. 

CANTON COTTON FACTORY. 

This desirable property is situated one mile north of Canton, 
Madison county, Miss., on the line of the Chicago, St. Louis and 
New Orleans roilroad. Main building one and a half stories 200x90 
feet, built substantially of brick live years ago. r^Iachinery — a new 
150 horse-power engine in good condition, run only two months, 1 
set batting machinery, two car loads of factory machinery boxed up 
having never been opened. A two-story frame building with nine 
rooms and twenty-seven acres of land. The whole property as far 
as completed cost $95,000 and can be had at a great bargain. For 
further information address, D. C. Landers, Canton, Madison 
county. Miss. 

WATEU VALLEY COTTON FACTOUY. 

This very desirable property is situated in the North enil <>f the 



76 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



flourishing town of Water Vfilley, Yalobusha count}-, Miss., and 
immediately on the line of the Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans 
railroad. The main building is a two story brick, 160 feet long by 
60 feet wide. An engine house with a 70 horse power engine, (new) 
set and in running order, with belting and shafting. 

This Factory with engine and fixtures and some twenty building 
lots, of one acre each, can be purchased at a great sacrifice. For 
further information, address W. F. jMerrin, Water Valley, Yalo- 
busha county, Mississippi. 

CORINTH COTTON FACTORIKS. 

There are two factories, situated one in and the other near the 
town of Corinth, Alcorn county, Mississippi, immediatel}^ on the 
line of the Mobile and Ohio railroad. The Memphis and Charles- 
ton railroad, also passes through Corinth. 

For a good investment of capital we know of no better, in the 
Southwest. 

Those wishing information of the above desirable propert}', 
should correspond with Col. J. S. Williams, Rienzi, Alcorn county, 
Mississippi, or with Col. Whitworth, Corinth, Alcorn county. Mis* 
sissippi. 

BAY ST. LOUIS WOOLEN FACTORY, 

At Bay St. Louis, Hancock county, a large woolen factory has 
recentl}^ been erected, and will soon be, if it is not now in full oper- 
ation. No better location could have been selected for a factory for 
the manufacture of wool into cloth or yarns, for no better countr}' 
exists on the face of the globe for sheep-husbandry, than the Gulf 
Coast counties of Mississippi. Address Mr. Ulman, Bay St. Louis, 
Hancock county, Mississippi. 



The Pine District of Mississippi. 



LETTEK FUOM IIOX. J. F. 11. CLAII50RXE TO GENEUAL A. M. WEST. 



My Dear Sir— When we speak ol' the " Pino Woods," or the 
"Sea Coast," people associate with it povert}', and an interminable 
waste of sand and barren lands. This impression is certainly erro- 
neous. I know of no countr}' that holds out more inducements 
for capital, industr}'. and intelligent husbandr}'; that combines so 
much health and comfort Avith so many avenues to competence and 
opulence. 

THE SEA COAST. 

The sea coast of Mississippi is not low and swampy, but a high, 
bold blufl', margined at its base by a beach of pure wkitc sand, and 
supporting on its brow a forest of stately pine, live-oak and mag- 
nolia. The soil is a light, sandy vegetable loam, by no means un- 
productive; easily cultivated, and, by proper treatment, yielding 
for a long series of years, abundant crops of vegetables and fruit, 
remarkable for their flavor. Pure and cool water is here every- 
where obtained at the depth of from ten to twenty leet. The 
country for two or three miles back is much the same, but then it 
begins to undulate; there is more clay in the soil; the timber be- 
comes almost exclusively pine, and is of heavier and larger growth. 
Twenty miles back, the country is higher; in some localities quite 
liilly, but with broad surfaces of table lands of goods arable soil, 
intersected by bold, clear, never-failing streams, affording fine 
water power; and the great forest of yellow pine stretches, north- 
ward and eastward, from Pearl river to the Leaf and the Chicka- 
saha}-, and thence to Alabama. 

THE GREAT FOREST, 

Is di'ained by Pearl and Pascagoula rivers, and their numerous 



78 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

tributaries, furnishing navigation and facilities for rafting timber 
from the remote interior. On these streams ma;,' be seen a heavy 
growth of white oak, hickory-, poplar, ash, beech, vwater oak, maple, 
hackberrj', elm, dog-wood, sasafraSjCherrj-, mulberry, chestnut, box- 
elder, white ba_v, red bay, cedar, juniper and C3''j)res3 of colossal 
grovvth. The lands are classed as first and second bottoms, with 
natural drains, and usuall}' covered with a rich growth of cane, and 
grape ^vines. With proper treatment the}'' yield from twenty-five 
to fifty bushels of corn, and from one thousand to filteen hun- 
dred pounds of seed cotton to the acre. Rice, potatoes, sugar cane 
and tobacco, are, on such lands, all remunerative crops. 

THE GREAT M'ANT 

Of this country is a railroad, with proper feeders, to lift this 
mighty forest, and bring it, as it were, to the lap of the ocean. 
For a hundred miles at a stretch, at any point of tlie compass, one 
may ride through these ancient woods, and see them, as they have 
stood for ages, untouched by the hand of man. A railroad could 
be cheaply constructed. For 150 miles or more, the country maj' 
be described as an inclined plane sloping to the sea; the rivers and 
streams all flowing in that direction. No mountains to tunnel, no 
rocks to excavate or blast. The surface is dry and solid; the ma- 
terial for construction at hand, and the very best. Consider the 
wealth coined out of the pine forests of North Carolina, with her 
storm cape, forbidding egress from her ports ; and the labor and 
capital expended in the frozen pineries of Maine, and on all the 
still bleaker shores of the Northwestern lakes. Here we have a 
field for enterprise far more extensive — a virgin forest — a benign 
climate — a coast exempt from storms — capacious liarbors — with 
access to all the markets in the world! A railroad would develop 
these great resources, and build up an important commercial entre- 
port on our beautiful sea coast. 

MAKSII OU MEADOW LAND. 

Every river, or salt water creek, debouching into Mississippi 
Sound, has, on one or both banks, a marsh or prairie, from fift}- 
yards to a mile deep, overflowed by high tides, but usually firm 
enough for cattle to pasture on the grass and pea vines that grow 
with great luxuriance, I sent specimens of these marsh soils for 
analysis to Prof. Riddell and Prof. Forshey, of the University of 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND Vv'ANTS. 79 

Louisiana, and to Prof. Jackson, of Harvard. Prof. Hillgard^ 
fonnoi-ly State Geologist, personally examined these marshes. 
They found carbonate of lime, potash, phosphorus, vegetable or- 
ganic matter, and other elements of fertility*, in abundance. 

FOR FERTILIZIKG, 

This marsh, mud or muck may be carried out, broadcasted, and 
immediatel}' plowed in, or be thrown into a compost heap, and 
manipulated \vith lime or animal droppiags during the winter, or 
may l)e tramped in the barn3-ard or cow-pens and poultry-3'ards, 
with pine straw, or the long grass and reeds of the marsh. On the 
margin of these marshes, often on the seashore, and at numerous 
points on the rivers, bayous and creeks, there are extensive depos- 
its of oyster, clam and muscle shells, readily convertible into the 
Uest lime for agricultural uses. Then the pine stravv- — the leaves 
from swamps and hammocks — the sediment from ponds and 
sloughs — the debris fi'om numerous charcoal pits — sea-weed thrown 
up by the waves — and the offal of fish — supply abundant means of 
ameliorating land; and in the interior pine country, there are valu- 
able marl l)eds and limestone. 

DAIRY FARMS. 

When we see what leveeiag, ditching and pumping have achieved 
in Holland, in the fens of England, in our own countrj', and iu 
other quarters, we may expect some day to find these great natural 
meadows, converted into haylieUls and pastures, the home of a 
ilirifty people. The^' consist of alluvium based on sand and clay; 
an artificial, but exhaustless soil. The grass, of several varieties, 
grows rank and coarse, but actual experiment has demonstrated 
that, the more it is grazed and mowed, the more tender and succu- 
lent it l)ccomcs. The late Mr. George, of Grand Coquille, in the 
Iligolels, shipped fifty bales of this hay to New Orleans, which 
could only be sold for litter, it was so rough, but he persevered and 
in two or three years he brought his hay up to the standard of the 
Western article. Besides, other grasses might be introduced to 
supercede the native grasses. The Bermuda grass, set out in tur- 
its, or cut up and plowed in, soon carpets our uplands, and covers 
with its rich verdure even the naked sand. 

FRUITS — ORANGE CULTURE. 

Southeastern Mississippi produces a great variety of fruit. Tlie 
peach, apple, plum, pomegranate, pear and fig; pecan, grapcsi of 



80 STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



many varieties, strawberries, dewberries, blackberries, the persim- 
mon, mulberry, and pawpaw, or custard fruit, and melons of va- 
rious kinds, grow in great perfection and yield abundant returns. 
Nearer the seashore we find, in addition, the orange, lemon, citron, 
shaddock, jujube, almond, bananna, olive and occasionally the 
pine-apple. With proper attention and study ot the acclimating 
capabilities of most valuable roots and fibrous-leaved plants and 
textiles, might be plante<l most of the trophical fruits and many of 
them successfully cultivated here. The orange is just now attract- 
ing much attention. The tree is propagating from tlie seed — by 
grafting on the wild or sour orange-stock — by suckers or scions-^- 
or by cutting off and replanting the tap root. If practicable, it 
would be well to plant the seed where the treee is to stand. From 
nursery beds, the orange is transplanted at one or two years old. 
Shallow planting nud horizontal roots are commended. The tree 
is tenacious of life, and ma}^ be removed when ten to twelve years 
old. I have seen bifurcated trees sawed apart, when ten years old, 
and transplanted, each section growing and fruiting. When the 
roots of the orange tree run on or near the surface, the tree be- 
comes hardier and fruits earlier. The theory of planting this tree, 
in my opinion, is never to dig a hole for it. Plant shallow, and 
support with stakes, until it throws out lateral roots to support 
itself. The excision of the tap root is a mooted question. As an 
accessory to s'uallow [)lanting, I cut the tap roots, replant them' 
and in due time get from these a second crop of plants for setting 
out, quite as good as the first. The best localit^y, it is thought, is 
near the water, or salt marsh, with the protection of the forest on 
the north. On the high bluffs of our salt water bayous, the orange 
flourishes, and we have trees on this coast, in full bearing, sixty 
years old, and with no symptoms of decay. Trees planted in the 
open pine woods do well, and suffer less than|elsewhere from cold 
This tree is more affected by sudden cliange of temperature than 
by intense cold. After a long, warm spell, which has started the 
sap and an unexpected freeze occurs, is the period of danger; and 
the point should be to retard the flow of sap. The orange, like 
most other plants, may be trained to endure cold weather. I prefer 
to give my trees a northern exposure. They flourish on almost any 
soil. A little ashes, oyster shell lime, marsh mud, and an occa- 
sional mulching is all they require. They may be planted about 
twent}' feet apart, and the orchard can be cropped with peas, pota- 
toes, melons or vegetables. They will fruit in foui", Ave and six 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 81 

years — the grafted fruiting earliest; are subject to few diseases ; 
are very long-lived ; require less attention than any other fruit 
tree, and will average, when in full bearing, 1,000 oranges to the 
tree. The demand is unlimited. The oranges on this coast are 
pronounced superior in llavor to any in the market. $10 00 per 
thousand, at the orchard, is about the average value. 

WINE MAKING. 

Wine making bids fair to become one of the industries of the 
piue-woods counties. The Concord, several varieties of Ives' Seed- 
lings, some of the table grapes of France, succeed well ; but the 
renowned Scuppernong is our peculiar boast. It requires no par- 
ticular care— little or no pruning. Plant your vine ; treat it with 
its favorite food — a little bone-dust ashes, charcoal, vegetable 
mould, and sweepings from a blacksmith shop — provide two or three 
cart loads of light-wood posts and rails — and let her rip! She will 
run as long as 3'ou w^ill put dovm the posts, and in a few years will 
cover half an acre of ground. It is a hardy bearer; seldom rots; 
hangs on the vine nutil it shrivels, and has no superior as a wine 
grape. Mr. Alfred V. Davis, of Pass Christian, a capitalist, and a 
man of great energy and cultivation, has eighty acres of the Scup- 
pernong, and has made, and i& making, first-class still and spark- 
ling wines, on an extensive scale. Col. A. E. Lewis, of Jackson 
county, and other sea coast gentlemen, are successfully pursuing 
the same enterprise. It requires capital to manufacture wine to 
compete with the foreign article; a man of limited means may 
profitably grov/ grapes to dispose of to the manufacturer, and there 
is no interest that ma}' be more profitably followed. 

STAl'I.E cnops. 

Sea Island or long staple cotton is a safe crop on this coast, any- 
where within the influence of the salt air from the sea. It rates in 
the market quite as well as that grown in South Carolina. Yield, 
about 800 lbs. of seed cotton to the acre — more or less, according 
to land, culture and season. Tobacco, from Florida or Cuba seed, 
has been tested and in careful liands would be a paying crop. A 
large area of land here is specially favorable to its culture. Sugar- 
cane succeeds admirably, and is a reliable and remunerative indus- 
try. Rice, so far, is grown exclusively on uplands, and only for 
dDmestic use. Its culture might be profitably' extended. Sweet 

G 



82 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



potatoes have been made to yield 500 bushels to the acre. Two 
crops of Irish potatoes are grown on the same land ; the first plant- 
ing in Januaiy, the second in August. Indigo, broom-corn, the 
sorghums, and the castor-oil bean, have all been successfully 
planted. 

CnARCOAL AND ■WOOD. 

This is an extensive and paying business on the sea-board. The 
coal is burned near some navigable bayou, and delivered to schooners 
at 12^, 16 to IS cents a barrel. Workingmeu, steadily pursuing this 
business, become independent. Hard ^ wood is worth, on the 
bank, 62 50 per cord; light wood, ^2 00; baker's pine, $1 50. Our 
salt water bayous are numerous, running back generally 10 to 15 
miles, affording plenty of water and furnishing almost ever^^ neigh- 
borhood with shipping privileges. 

MILL LOGS. 

The steam saw and plaining mills on this coast are numerous 
and on a costly and extensive scale. They pay cash for all the logs 
that can be delivered; the price generally remunerative, but, of 
course, varying with the dimensions of the timber and the state of 
the market. 

SAND AND SHELLS. 

The former for building purposes, the latter for streets and 
roads, employ many persons and vessels profitabl}'. 

FISH AND OYSTERS. 

This business employs many persons, bub might be greatly eii- 
tended. A chain of islands, you perceive from the map, extends 
from the mouth of the Mississippi to Mobile lying fifteen or 
twenty miles from the mainland. These, with the mud banks along 
the shore, and the bars at the mouths of our rivers and creeks, 
constitute the fishing grounds. Red fish, black fish, red snappers, 
porapano, Spanish mackerel, mullet, speckled trout, sheepheads, 
fiounders, croakers, etc., are very abundant. These are taken to 
the New Orleans market and to the various villages along the sea- 
board. Oj'sters of superior quality are found within a few miles) 
of the whole coast. .Many of these are sent by rail to the interiors 
but the business of canning oysters, crabs and shrimp, and of salt- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 83 

ingaiul drying flsh, has not yet been introduced. It ofTcrs an invi- 
tiuLj field for enterprise and capital. The planting of oyster bed, 
would pay well, and is specially recommended to the enterprising. 

SHIP BUILDING. 

From our list of timber, and the facilities furnished by our 
mills, and the demands of the coasting trade, there have sprung up 
here numerous shipyards, where very handsome, staunch and clip- 
per vessels are turned out. Good ship carpenters, calkers, paint- 
ers, blacksmiths and riggers are always in demand, and the vessels 
they fit out command good prices on sale or charter, to carry lum- 
ber, hard wood, shingles, staves, hoop poles, tar, turpentine, resin, 
shells, sand, hides and peltries, live stock, poultr}-, etc., to New 
Orleans. 

NAVAL STORES. 

Previous to the war, these were prolitably produced iu this (quar- 
ter. Our pines run as freely as they do in North Carolina, and 
handsome returns were realized. There is no reason why the busi- 
ness should not be resumed. 

MARKET GARDENING AND POULTRY. 

With the facilities offered by the New Orleans and Mobile rail- 
road, we might, on our warm, friable, loamy soil, take the lead in 
the early supply of vegetables and fruit for the New Orleans and 
up-countr}' markets. With proper attention, we may be ten days 
or a fortnight in advance of riparian planters, and it is well known 
thatf truits and vegetables grown on dry, sandy soils are of supe- 
rior llavor. The coast should supply St. Louis and Chicago, and 
the West generally, with okra, egg plants, tomatoes, peas, beans, 
cauliflowers and potatoes, pears, figs, peaches, apples, strawberries 
and melons, and can do so ahead of those who plant on alluvial 
soils. 

No country in the world where poultry thrives better, and wiht 
very rough treatment. It is a business which, if pursued as a 
l)usiness with all that the term imi)lies, would yield ver^' large 
profits. I do not hesitate to say that any person investing a hun- 
dred or a thousand dollars in poultry raising, and bringing to it 
t^he proper knowledge and care, would double his money every two 
years. 



84 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



CATTLE AND SHEEP. 

Both good investments. Our summei" range in pine lands cannot 
be excelled. And in winter the cane and reed brakes on the 
rivers and creeks, and the marsh grasses furnish sufficient food. 
Cattle are rarely ever fed. During the summer and fall, and when 
running on cane in winter, the}" make excellent beef, readih^ sold at 
a handsome profit, for the coast market, and to the New Orleans 
butchers. 

The whole district, embracing ten or fifteen counties, is admira- 
bly adapted for sheep. It is full of the shrubs and undergrowth 
that sheep delight to crop. The surface is gently undulating, the 
summer grass never fails; the ravines abound with reeds, rushes 
and switch-cane, that furnish nutritious food and warm shelter all 
winter. Why should not wool growing be more profitable than at 
the North? It has been often demonstrated that Southern fleeces 
are as fine and as heavy as the fleeces of colder climates, and sheep 
more health}'. Mr. Cockrill, of Mississippi, successfully competed 
with the most famous wool growers of Saxony, France and Eng- 
land. In New York or Vermont the breeder must own or rent 
every acre of land his flocks tread upon, and sheep require a wider 
range and are harder on pastures than any other stock. He must 
fence, hedge, or wall it in, and pay taxes upon it. Folds and shel- 
ters are to be put up, and grain and hay for the long winters provi- 
ded, and abundant salt. Nevertheless, distempers and murrins 
often occasion great mortality. Still the Northern shepherd per- 
severes, prospers and grows rich. Here one may graze 1,000 sheep 
without owning a foot of land, or paying any taxes. From Pearl 
river to the Alabama like there are vast natural pastures, of uj^sold 
and unoccupied lands. No stacks or barns are wanted, and the epi- 
demics of colder climates are unknown. I attribute this to our 
benign climate; to the saline air and saturation of the herbage; 
more than all, the smoke of the burning pine, and the vapor of tar, 
which the live stock in the pine woods constantly inhale. I have 
seen larger and heavier mutton, grain fed, in the North and West, 
but none equal to ours when put upon the table. 

SOCIETY — PUBLIC OPINION. 

Our sea-shore population is refined, social and intelligent. 
Cliqucdom and cxclusiveness are unknown. Composed of people 
from every State, and from every nationality of Europe, there is no 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 85 

sectionalism. All well conducted pei'sons, of every race and color 
arc welcomed. No inquisition into political opinions, as these are 
regarded as one's private property. We are Democrats and Repub- 
licans, devoted to our country, and breathing the same prayer for 
its peace, prosperit}-, progress and perpetuity. 

LANDS. 

Improved lands, with small, plain buildings on thcui, niay be had, 
throughout the pine district, at from S3 to SIO per acre. Untim- 
proved at $1 25. Large quantities of public land may yet be 
entered under the Homestead Act, excellent farming, pasture and 
timbered tracts, HO acres for about $8, the entire cost — thus sup- 
plying the cheapest home in the world and the healthiest, and the 
easiest for a poor man to get a start on the road to independence. 
jMan}' large land-holders will sell lands, at very low prices, on long 
credits, and take pay in labor. An industrious man, with or with- 
out money, can always secure here a good and comfortable home. 
Throughout the district there are excellent farming lands — lands 
which in the Carolinas, Virginia, ^Maryland or New Jersey Avould 
bring $10 to ;F15 per acre, may be had here at government price. 

LABOR. 

Two-thirds of the working classes in the pine district, including 
the sea coast, are wliites — natives and naturalized citizeiis. Those 
•from the Eastern States, and from Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Eng- 
land and Ireland, bear exposure to the sun, and stand the climate, 
in every respect, as well as the indigenous population, or the emi- 
grants from Southern Europe. The Germans are quite numerous, 
and are our most thrifty farmers and gardeners. The French 
immigrants are chiefly merchants, colTec-house keepers, or mechan- 
ics. Tlie Spanish and Italians engage in fishing, oystering and 
navigation. But we find all these races in the various pursuits, and 
generally industrious, economical and successful. Skilled T»ork- 
men earn from $3 to $G per day; journeymen from §1 50 to S3. 
Ordinary laborers from SI to $1 50. A steady farm hand may 
always find employment, and board and lodging, at $12 to 815 per 
month the year round. Our numerous saw-mills employ many 
hands and raftsmen and axmen at high wages. The shipyards 
reciuire many workmen. ]Many hands are wanted to man the 
schooners and barges plying to and from New Orleans. Much of 



86 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



the sea-board front is owned by wealthy residents and absentees, 
who have extensive gardens, orchards and ornamental grounds, and 
these give profitable employment and comfortable berths to many 
men and women. Manufactures, it is presumed, will soon spring 
ujp here, with the influx of immigration and capital, and this will 
create a new demand for labor. 



AGRICULTURE IN MISSISSIPPI. 



The importance of ngriculture is obvious, not only by its aflord- 
ing the direct supply of our greatest want; but as the parent of 
manufactures and commerce. "Without agriculture tl "re can be 
neither civilization, nor population. The main portion cf the peo- 
ple in every country is employed in the pursuit of agriculture. It 
therefore, should be studied not only as an art, but as a science. 

In the brief space of this pamphlet, intended for popular read- 
ing, I -will endeavor to present the facts and figures of improved 
agriculture, in such a form as to be easily comprehended by the far. 
mers in general. 

It will be necessar}-, before entering upon the subject, to lay down 
some well ascertained principles in agricultural science and 
practice. 

The permanent fertility of a soil is found, both by experiment 
and practice, to depend more on the inorganic or mineral substan- 
ces which it contains, such as potash, phosphate of lime, soda and 
lime and magnesia than upon any other. 

These mineral substances are found in all fertile soils in au avail- 
able condition; when not available, or locked up, it is the great 
problem of agricultural science to set them free, or supply them for 
plant food. 

The principal mineral substances, viz: Pliosphato of lime, potash, 
magnesia, lime and soda, together with nitrogen and carbonic acid, 
are absolutely necessary for the growth and maturity of i)lants. 

The proof of this proposition, will be made obvious l)\' giving 
an analysis of two of the most common crops grown in our State : 

ANALYSIS OF CORN, 100 PARTS OF GUAIN AMD STALK. 

Potash, .' 25,G0 

.Soda, 7,57 

Magnesia, 8,:}0 

Lime, 7,40 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



PliospbaLe of Lime, 47,00 

Silica, 2,95 

Peroxide of Irou, 0,76 

Sulphuric Acid, , 0,33 

Common salt i. e. chloride of sodium, 0,09 



100,00 

ANALYSIS OP COTTON, 100 PARTS OF SEED AND STALK. 

Potash, 26,25 

Soda, 9,75 

Magnesia, 8,30 

Lime, 15,70 

Phosphate of Lime, , 35,25 

Sulphuric Acid, 3,75 

Silica, 9,25 

Peroxide of Iron, 0,15 

Salt, (Cliloride Sodium,) 1,50 

The analysis of wheat, oats or sugar-cane varj' but little from that 
of corn, only a few per cent, in some of the ingredients. 

To illustrate the use of the analysis of plants, we will take up 
the cotton plant. We find that 25 6-10 per cent, of the mineral 
ingredients to be potash. How necessary is it, then, to furnish pot- 
ash to the soil when it is deficient. How is this to be done ? The 
most simple manner is to apply ashes to the land, to plow under 
vegetable matter to deca^'', for decay is slow combustion, or by tlie 
purchase of Kainit, a German salt of potash. 

Potash is not only a direct food for plants, but it acts a solvent, 
by dissolving other substances in the soil, thus making them avail- 
able for plant food. For example, it acts upon the sand in the soil, 
forming the silicate of j^otash, and this silicate of potash forms 
principally the lint and hull of the cotton seed and bark of the 
stalk. It is also found largely in the straw of wheat and oats and 
the stalk and grain of corn. 

Soda is the next substance in the analysis; 9f per cent, is found 
in the cotton plant, and nearly all soils contain an ample quantity 
of it. 

Magnesia comes next, and is genera]l3" found in all soils in sufli- 
cient quantities. 

Lime, not on\y is a direct food for plants, but like potash acts as 
a solvent in the soil, rendering other ingredients available as plant 
food. Dr. Thos. P. Janes, Commissioner of Agriculture for the 
State of Georgia, says, in his able report on fertilizers, that, "lime 



BESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS, 89 

and pea vines must be the main reliance for the general improve- 
ment of our worn and exhausted lands. This fact has been realized 
by a few progressive farmers, who have put it into successful prac- 
tice." 

PHOSPHATE OF LIME, 

Or more correctl^y, phosphoric acid, is one of liic most important 
elements in plant life. We find from the above analysis of the cot- 
ton plant, that it contains Sb^ per cent, of the phosphate of lime, 
noarlv all of whicli is in the seed. This 35^ per cent, of phosphate 
of lime together with 25:^- per cent, of potash and the nitrogen 
evolved in the form of ammonia from the decay of f/reen cotton 
seed, prove conclusively wh}' cotton seed used as a manure, is one 
of the best and most efficient fertilizers. Acid phosphate of lime, 
I. c. dissolved bones, green cotton seed aiid stable manure com- 
posted, forms one of the most lasting and effective fertilizers wc 
can apply to our lauds. All the elements of i)iant food are con- 
tained in this compost, iu the most available form. 

Sulphuric acid comes next in the analysis; 3| per cent, is found 
in the cotton plant. This ingredient can be supplied cheaply by 
the use of Land Plaster, i. e. sulphate of lime, which is composed of 
sulphuric acid and lime. Land plaster not only furnishes lime and 
sulphuric acid to the plant, but is one of the best absorbents, fix- 
ing, or retaining the ammonia evolved during the fermentation of 
stable manure and green cotton when composted together, the sul- 
phuric acid unites with the ammonia, forming the sulphate of 
ammonia, and from this substance plants derive their nitrogen. 

Silica, i. e. dissolved sand, is found abundantly in almost all soils 
in the shape of sand. Potash, or lime, ap[)lied to the soil renders 
the silica available by dissolving the sand, I'orming the silicate of 
potash and the silicate of lime, and in cither of tlicse forms it is 
taken up by the plant. 

IMrOKTAN'Cn OF TIIi: ANALYJ^IS OF I'LANTS. 

It has been truly said by a celebrated French agricultural chem- 
ist, "That the i)lant itself is the best analytical chemist." We go 
into a field of cotton and find perfect plants, fully matured and full 
of fruit; in another place in the same field wc find plants dwarfed 
in all their proportions with very little or no fruit on them. In the 
fiist instance, we are absolutely certain all the ingredients for plant- 



90 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



food are abundant in the soil, and in the latter, we are as certain 
they are not in the soil in an available condition. Now, knowing 
the anal^'sis of the plant, i. e. the substances necessary for its 
growth and maturity, we appl}^ the ingredients to the soil and may 
reasonably expect a favorable return for our labor. 

NITROGEN AND CAKI50NIC ACID. 

Now, having discussed, in a plain manner, the inorganic or min- 
eral constituents of plants, we will take up the organic, or vegeta- 
ble substances. 

Nitrogen, in the form of ammonia is one of the most important 
elements of plant life. Ammonia is found in Peruvian guano, sta- 
ble manure, and in decayed or decaying cotton seed, and in any, or 
all these forms can be applied to the soil. It is very volatile and 
will escape into the air, unless efforts are made to fix, or retain it. 
This can be readil}^ done by mixing the sulphate of lime, i. e. laud 
plaster, in the compost pile; the sulphuric acid of the plaster unites 
■with the ammonia, forming crystals of the sulphate of ammonia, or 
by covering the stable manure and cotton seed with a thick layer 
of muck, top soil, or earth from the fence corners. This layer of 
earth will absorb the ammonia and retain it until applied to the 
land. The stimulating and fertilizing property of stable manure, 
cotton seed and Peruvian guano, are due, in a great measure, to the 
ammonia they contain. 

Carbonic Acid. It has been beautifully ordered by an Allwise 
and beneficient Providence, that whilst carbonic acid gas is inimi- 
cal to animal life, it is absolutely necessary to the life and growth 
of plants. It is the principal element in building up the woody 
parts of all plants. In the economy of nature, the leaves of all 
trees and plants have the power to breathe in carbonic acid gas, 
(malaria) which is deleterious to the health of people, and throw 
off oxygen gas wbich is absolutely necessary to the life of human 
beings. Hence, we see recommended for malarial districts the 
planting of the Australian Blue Gum, and by Prof. Maury the Sun- 
flower, both of which are said to have a remarkable effect upon the 
health of the localities in which they have been planted. It is a 
well-known fact, that all the first settlers, in this country, left groves 
of native trees between their homesteads and the rivers and swamps, 
thus protecting their families from chills and fever. We can now 
call to mind, one instance, where a grove of ten acres had been left 
for protection. The grandson, wiser? than his father and grand- 



RKSOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 91 

father, cut the trees down because thes' were so coavenient for fence 
rails and firewood. His family was visited b}-- malarial fevers annu- 
ally — several years — until he allowed the trees to grow up again. It 
would be a wise policy for the authorities of cities, towns and vil- 
lages, exposed to the malaria of rivers, creeks and swamps, to 
require Sunflowers and trees to be planted to a large extent, thus 
purifying the atmosphere. 

The plant obtains its carbonic acid from the decaying vegetable 
matter in the soil and from tlie atmosphere. This ingredient of 
plant life nature supplies in great abundance. 

PKINCIPLES AND PRACTICE. 

Having presented some of the first jirinciples in agricultural science 
we will now proceed to put them in practice. But before doing so, 
we will give an extract from the American Agriculturist, confirming 
the principles laid down in this article: 

AS TO FERTILIZERS AXD THEIR ACTION. 

Omitting the question of drainage, and of green manures, and 
supposing the laud in proper drvness and tilth, there is no doubt 
that a sufficient amount of the right kind of manures or fertilizers 
will secure this 8 to 13 bushels per acre increase. 

To fertilize, means to make fertile — to increase the crop produc. 
ing power. The crop feeds on what it finds in the soil. Anything 
is a fertilizer that adds to the supply of plant food in the soil, or 
which by its action decomposes, unlecks, or changes to an availa- 
ble form, some food which is already in the soil but is in a form 
that the crops cannot use. If, for example, plant food was bound 
up in little sacks or coverings in the soil, and potash or lime would 
eat oil' tlicsc coverings and let it out so tiiat the roots could get at 
it and feed upon it, the potash or lime would act indirectl}' as a fer- 
tilizer. Plant-food is actually locked u[) in bits of soil, and potash 
and lime soften and ])reak up these bits; they thus iielp feed the 
plants. 

Recent observations, careful experiments and extensive ciiemical 
investigations, show that our cultivated crops need for their best 
growth the presence of several substances. Three or four are sel- 
dom abundant in one soil, or are largely available in but few, and 
are rapidly exhausted by the removal of crops. Two of these, for 
example phosphoric acid and nitrogen, arc indispcnsal)lc as plant- 



92 STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



food. Potasli is also needed as food, and to develop and prepare 
other food. Lime acts like potash in feeding or preparing food for 

plants. 

THE MOST VALUABLE CONSTITUENTS OF SOILS AND MANURES. 

Of these four substances, nitrogen, potash, lime and phosphoric 
acid, some soils and crops want one, some want two, and some want 
three, if not all of them. Good barn yard manure invariably con- 
tains all of them. So long as one can get enougli of good barn 
manure, cheaply enough, and near to the fields, that is all that is 
needed. With it, if the other conditions of the soil, its drjaiess 
and tilth or mechanical condition, be right, we can raise our croj)s 
from an equivalent of 12 bushels of wheat to -10, or 25 more bushels 
per acre. 

But unless it be on farms mainly used in stock-raising, there is 
far from enough good j'ard manure to secure tlic higher profits. 
And just here another question comes in. If a soil lacks potash 
only, a small quantity of this in the lorm of potash salts, or of 
ashes, ma}^ be as useful as thousands of pounds of yard-manure 
containing only the same amount of potash. In that case we could 
buy and apply the potash more cheaply than we could haul and 
apply the manure to a field distant from the 3'ard, allowing the 
manure to cost nothing. If the soil lacks onl}^ phosphoric acid for 
a certain crop, a bag of super-phosphate or dissolved bones will sup- 
ply more of it than several tons of yard-manure. If, then, we can 
ascertain just what a field lacks, we may find it very profitable to 
buy the special fertilizer the soil want>., and use the yard manure 
on such fields as need all it contains, or on those heavy soils where 
its loosening effect will be most useful, and where little hauling is 
required. Now we are at the pith of the subject. 

COMPOSTING FERTILIZERS. 

From what has been said above, we are now ready to comprehend 
the composting of the various substances to form an effective man- 
ure. Dr. Thos. P. Janes, Commissioner of Agriculture for the 
State of Georgia, in his report on fertilizers, presents the following 
in reference to composts; 

COMPOSTING SUPER-PnOSPHATES WITH HOME MANURES. 

When we consider the fact that the farmers in Georgia expended 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 93 

four millions of dollars last season for fertilizers, oven on a cash 
basis, the question of the most economical mode of permanently 
improving our soils, and at the same time producing remunerative 
corps, is one of vital importance to our people. 

Tlic Philosopliii of CoinpostiiKj. — Stable manure is admitted on 
all sides to be a complete manure, in the sense of containing all of 
the necessar\' elements of plant food. There are some of the more 
important elements (phosphoric acid is the principal) which arc 
contained in such small percentage, that large quantities of the 
manure must be applied in order to secure a sufficient quantiti'' of 
tb'is essential element for the necessities of plant sustenance. To 
supply this deficiency, superphosphate is added to the compost heap- 
A combination of stable manure and cotton seed, in the propor' 
tions recommended; supplies enough ammonia for summer crops, but 
hard]}' sufficient for winter small grain, unless applied at the rate of 
400 pounds per acre. The sulphate of lime contained in ever}' 
superphosphate, besides being otherwise valuable as a chemical 
agent, serves to fix the ammonia generated in the progress of 
decomposition in the composi heap. Tlie fermentation reduces the 
coarse material, and prepares it for the use of the plant. 

ComjJosliiir/ under Shelter. — This ma}' usually be done on rainy 
daj's, or when the ground is too wet for the plow, so that little time 
need be lost by the manipulating of the heap. Tiiere are two 
methods practiced with equally satisfactory results. 

One is to apply the dillerent ingredients in successive layers, and 
cut down vertically after a tiiorough fermentation lias taken place, 
mixing well with the shovel at the same time. 

The other is to mix thorough!}' tlie ingredients at first, and allow 
the mass to stand until used. 

The effects of composts thus prepared far exceed the indications 
of analysis, and, cost considered, are truly remarkable. 

Formuloefor Composting. — If the stable manure and cotton seed 
have been preserved under shelter, use the following: 

FORMULA NO. 1. 

.Stable ^Manure, 050 lbs. 

Cotton Seed (green) ()5(' lbs. 

Superphosphate 700 lbs. 



JIaking a ton of 2,000 lbs. 

Directions for Coiapostintj. — Spread under a shelter a layer of sta- 



.94 STATE or MISSISSIPPI. 



ble manure four inches thick; on this sprinkle a, portion of the phos- 
phate; next spread a, lawyer of cotton seed three inches thick, wet 
these thoroughly with water, and then apply more of the phos- 
phate; next spread another layer of stable manure three inches 
thick, and continue to repeat these layers in the above order, and in 
proportion to the quantity of each used to the ton, until the mate- 
rial is consumed. Cover the whole mass with stable manure, or 
scrapings from the lot one or two inches thick. Allow the heap to 
stand in this condition until a thorough fermentation takes place, 
which will require from three to six weeks, according to circum- 
stances, dependent upon proper degree of moisture, and the strength 
of the material used. When the cotton seed are thoroughly killed; 
with a sharp hoe, or mattock, cut down vertically through the la}"- 
ers; pulverize and shovel into a heap, where the fermentation wiU 
be renewed, and the compost be still further improved. Let it lie 
two weeks after cutting down; it will then be ready for use. 

The following plan of mixing gives equally satisfactory results: 
Mix the cotton seed and the stable manure in proper proportion, 
moisten them with water, apply the proportion of phosphate, and 
mix thoroughly, shoveling into a mass as prepared. 

There is some advantage in this plan, from the fact that the ingre- 
dients are thoroughly commingled during fermentation. 

For Cotton — Apply in the opening furrow 200 pounds, and with 
the planting seed 75 or 100 pounds, making iu all 275 or 300 pounds 
per acre. If it is desired to apply a larger quantity, opea furrows 
the desired distance, and over them, sow broadcast 400 pounds per 
acre ; bed the land, and then apply 100 pounds per acre with the 
seed. 

For Corn. — Apply in the hill, by the side of the seed, one gill to 
the hill. An additional application around the stalk, before the 
first plowing, will lai'gely increase the yield of grain. 

If the compost is to be used on worn or sandy pine lands, use 
the following: 

FORaiULA NO. 2. 

Stable Manure, 600 lbs. 

Cotton Seed (green ) 600 lbs. 

Superphosphate, 700 lbs. 

Kainit, 100 lbs. 

Making a ton of 2,000 lbs. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



Prepare as directed for No. 1, luoisten the manure and cotton 
peed with a solution of the kainit instead of water. ^luriate of 
potash is the cheapest form in which potash can be used, but kainit 
supplies it in a better form and combination for many plants. 

If lot manure, or that which has been so exposed as to lose some 
of its fertilizing properties, is composted, use — 

FOKMUI.A NO. 3. 

Lot Manure fiOO lbs. 

Cotton Seed (green ) 500 lbs. 

Superphosphate 700 lbs. 

Sulphate of Ammonia 00 lbs. 

Kainit 140 lbs. 

Making a ton of 2,000 lbs. 

Ihe sulphate of ammonia and kainit must be dissolved in Avarm 
Avater, and a proportionate part of each sprinkled upon the other 
ingredients as the heap is prepared. Apply as directed under No. 
1, to cotton and corn. To wheat or oats, apply 400 to 500 pounds 
per acre, broadcast, and plosv or harrow it in with the grain. 

THE SUBSTANCES A BALE OF COTTON TAKES UP FROM THE SOIL. 

To more fully understand the value of the above composts, we 
give the substances a 500 pound bale of cotton takes from the land. 
As a general rule 100 pounds of seed cotton will yield, 
33.'j- pounds of lint, 
33^ pounds of hull, 
33| pounds of kernel. 
In the growth of tlu) whole plant lint, seed, roots, bolls, leaves 
and stems, in order to make a bale -of 500 of lint cotton, about the 
following amount of mineral matter, according to Prof. White, 
must be taken from the soil: 

Phosphate of Lime, 30 pounds. 

Potash, 49 pounds. 

Lime, GO,^- pounds. 

Magnesia, 18| pounds. 

Sulphuric Acid, 21]- pounds. 

Soda, 20.V i)Ounds. 

Silica 18| pounds. 

The above elements furnished to the crop at the growing 
period will make a strong plant and will insure a bale of lint 
cotton 2)61' acre. The three elements most important, viz: Phos- 



96 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



phoi'ic acid, lime and potash are required in large qimntities, aod if 
these are supplied the rest generally are found in all soils. 

Ever^^ cotton planter ought to begin long before the season for 
planting to manufacture a compost especially for his cotton crop. 
Make the foundation for the compost heap by tumbling down sev- 
eral loads of rich mold from the woods forming the bottom of the 
pile in the shape of a basin, then a layer of cotton seed, six inches, 
then a la3'er of stable manure one foot thick, over the whole of 
which sprinkle a considerable amount of sulphate of lime i. e. land 
plaster, then continue the heap until it is of the most convenient 
size for manipulating. Coijipost heaps of this kind commenced io 
the fall and winter will afford a rich and lasting fertilizer by the 
time for planting cotton in April. When marl, or oyster-shell lime 
can be obtained conveniently, the addition of either, just before 
using will add greatly to tlie effect of t!ie manure. The marl, or 
lime should be slacked before mixing it with the compost. 

We think we have said enough on this important subject to show 
that every farmer in Mississippi can make a valuable home-made 
fertilizer with the ingredients he may collect on his farm. He may 
have to buy a small amount of dissolved bones, lime and potash, 

LESS SURFACE PLANTED AND LARGEK CROPS. 

It may be laid down as an Axiom, (h self-evident proposition); 
that a less surface should be planted and larger crops produced per 
acre, to make farming iu Mississippi profitable. Under our present 
S3'stem it requires an average of ^hree acres of land, including our 
rich bottom lands, to produce a bale of cotton, and in the hill lands 
an average of over four acres to make a bale of 500 pounds of lint. 
With a proper system of culture and fertilizing, we can easily 
make one acre pi'odicce one hale of cotton. This has been done 
repeatedly by many farmers and can be done by all, who have the 
energ}', brains and perseverance necessary to become a successful 
farmer. Hence, we have always contended that it was supreme 
foil}' to plant an acre of land in cotton that will not produce a bale, 
or in corn that will not make at least 20 bushels. 

By diversified husbandry, this improvement in our sj'stem of 
farming may bo accomplished and the manures made at liome will 
graduall}' enrich the whole farm. Our lands that have been worn 
and turned out, can be utilized by stock-raising and especially In' 
sheep husbandry. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND "WANTS. 



We have in Bermuda grass, Japan clover, {Lespidisa Striata) 
and the native grasses, which grow so luxuriantly all over our State 
the most abundant pasturage for our flocks and herds for at least 
nine months in the year, and with hay made from the cultivated 
grasses, such as Herds, Orchard, Johnson and Blue grass, with Red 
clover, all of which can be grown with proiit, together with a few 
cotton seed, our stock can be kept in good coudition tlie remaining 
three months of the year. 

Dr. A. C. Stevenson, one of the largest stock-raisers in Indiana, 
who has visited our State several times in the last four years, sa3-s: 
We have "unsurpassed advantages for raising stock of all kinds and 
for a mixed system of husbandr}-, and that there is no sound rea- 
son why the lands in Mississippi should sell at from $2 to $10 per 
acre while the lands in Indiana sell for $20 to $80 per acre. All 
that is needed to bring prosperity to your State, is to set 3'our 
vacant lands in grasses and enter largely into the production of 
stock." In this pamphlet, we will publish several articles from his 
able pen and we call special attention to his speech delivered before 
the Starkville Grange in March, 1879. 

In the cotton seed, in the manure from stock, and in the marls, 
found in immense beds in various portions of our State, we have 
the means to enrich our lands and to make them produce four-fold 
more than they do at the present time. 

ITS INFLUENCE ON TUE LABOR QUESTION. 

There is another view of this question, its influence on labor so 
ably presented by the editor of the Southern Live Stock Journal, 
Starkville, Miss., that we give the article in full: 

JllSSISSIPri STOCK-CUEEDEKS' ASSOCIATION. 

Elsewhere will be found the notice of Judge Houston, President, 
calling a meeting of the above named Association, to be held in 
Aberdeen, on the 16th and 17th of May. 

Last week we published a list of the members of this bod\% 
showing that it is composed of some of the leading and most influ- 
ential men in this State. We have seldom been permitted to 
chronicle the organization of an Association having for its object 
the promotion of greater interests of the State. Landed i)roperty 
is our chief property interest. Ours is not, and probabl}' never will 

bo, a State of large manufacturing or commercial importance. Our 
7 



98 STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



chief wealth in the future, as in the past, vv'ill remain agricultural. 
The agricultural system hitherto adopted is rapidly depleting the 
soil of its fertility. Profitable jaelds of our staple crops no longer 
respond even to the best culture. The old system was necessarily 
an expensive one, requiring a large amount of labor. This labor, 
neither in quantity nor in quality, in many sections, can be now 
secured. The blind adherence to the old system, under conditions 
radically changed, has resulted in the pecuniarj^ bankruptcy of a 
large portion of the land owners in the State. In many sections, 
ditches have filled up, fences rotted down — and where once were 
fields under a high state of cultivation, now sedge, thistles and 
briars have taken complete possession. In many instances the 
lands have been entirely abandoned and forfeited to the State for 
taxes. The outlook is certainly gloomy in the extreme. Added to 
this, in portions of the State, after heavy outlay in team and 
necessary supplies to carry on farming operations, seductive allure- 
ments by the interested and maliciously disposed, have induced 
the ignorant and easily deluded blacks to abandon crops, already 
planted, and seek homes in the far West, thus completely ruining 
those who have made large investments with a view of gambling on 
negro labor. We say gambling because farming under the present 
system with negro labor is fully as hazardous as a game of cards. 
Even those few in this favored prairie-belt who have thus far con- 
ducted their farms successfully under the new order of things can- 
not forsee or foretell the day and hour when the same influences, 
now actively at work elsewhere, may result in a general negro exo- 
dus here. Is it not wise to take time by the forelock, and prepare 
now for the possible, if not probable, contingencies of the future ? 
And even to the most successful cotton planter in East Mississippi 
we would like to profound a few inquiries. Does it not require un- 
tiring vigilance, tact, and administrative ability to make your farm 
profitable? Without like tact and good judgment, would your 
broad acres possess any value? In the case of your death, and the 
management of your estate devolves upon your wife, how long 
could she so manage as to hold the property together, and pa}- 
taxes upon the same? 

A farm of one thousand acres devoted to our staple crops will 
require from sixty to eighty farm laborers. This force involves a 
large expenditure in team, agricultural implements, farm machin- 
ery, and food supplies for team and laborers. 

What farmer's family to-day, in our favared prairie-belt, is com- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. J»^ 

potent, in case of his death, to take charge and manage successfully 
an estate requiring administrative ability of such high order? Is 
there not some less complicated system wliere lands in a woman's 
hands would still possess some value? Suppose the whole farm 
was well fenced and all in permanent grass, how vastly less would 
be the skill necessarj- for its management? 

No large investment of team would l)c required. No heavy 
annual outla}' in agricultural implements and farm machinery. No 
heav3' bills to poy some commission merchant for supplies fur_ 
nished a vast horde of negro tenants. Instead of the farm washed 
gullied and impoverished, under the constant use of the plow, it 
would be covered l)y perennial grasses and clovers, which would 
knit the soil together, fill up gullies, increase fertility, and add 
great beaut}' to the whole country. "With one or two years more 
of onward march toward stock, the rental value of such a farm for 
grazing purposes alone, would greatly exceed its rental value in the 
l)almiest da3's of cotton culture. 

The simple truth is, under the present system, lands in the South 
have no certain value. The}' are not recognized as property. They 
constitute no basis of credit. Except in the hands of a few, pos- 
sessing peculiar qualifications for employing, directing and controll- 
ing negro labor, instead of property, they are an absolute burden 
to carry, and will soon bankrupt most women and children, when 
deprived of the head of the family. 

The popular fallacy heretofore existing, that ours was not a grass 
country, is fortunately forever exploded. No observing, intelli- 
gent man now doubts ours being a grass country. Dr. A. C. Stev- 
enson, of Indiana, a gentleman of national reputation as a breeder 
of Shorthorn cattle — a pioneer in early life in grass culture in his 
own State, came to this village last fall an unbeliever in refer- 
ence to the immense grass capabilities of our soil and climate, 
and the vast wealth existing in Southern lands when once perma- 
nently seeded to grass. The truth is at last finding lodgment in 
the minds of our own citizens, and to-day there are hundreds of 
ourenterprisingcitizens who are shaping their policy with reference 
to this new farm departure. 

This Stock Breeders' Association 'will constitute a nucleus — a 
rallying point for those entertaining progressive ideas upon this 
subject, and will ultimately be worth millions to the State of Mis- 
sissippi. We think it difficult to overestimate tlie immense value of 
this organization to the future material interests of the State. It 



cfC. 



100 STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



is destined ultimately to completely i-evolutionize present farm 
practices, and should have the cordial indorsement and co-opera- 
tion of ever}^ patriotic citizen. 

A judicious selection has been made of a standard bearer — a 
gentleman distinguished not onl}^ lor his legal attainments, but also 
for his patriotism as well as advanced ideas and farm practice upon 
the subject of grass and stock. The interests of this Association 
could not have been committed to better hands, and he is extremely 
fortunate in the high character of those citizens who are giving 
their names, influence and labors in aid of the noble work so auspic- 
iously begun. We trust that accessions will be made to the mem- 
bership from every portion of the State, and that the support will 
be proportionate to the magnitude of the interests involved. In 
order to enlist the largest possible number, would it not be well 
that the meetings of the association be held at different points in 
the State ? 

We have no tears to shed over the departure of the negro. It 
relieves the State of a large element, dangerous, because vested 
with political rights without those qualifications so necessary to ex- 
ercise their political privileges intelligently. Horses, mules, cows 
and sheep, can, far more profitabl^^ to the State, fill up the vacuum 
created by the negro exodus. These last possess no dangerous 
political power, and instead of skimming and denuding the soil of 
its little remaining fertilizing elements, will aid in once more restor- 
ing its lost productiveness. By tissociated effort, these lands can be 
so grassed and stocked up, as again to be restored to original 
fertility: the highest value can again be given to our farms, peren- 
nial grasses and flocks and herds will again beautify our countr}', 
and these in turn, with our superior climate, will draw in the very 
l)est population of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee. To accomplish ends so desirable is in part the higli mission 
of this Stock Breeders' Association. 



As bearing on this important subject we give the able report of 
the Committee of Capitol Grange No. 19, whiclf ought to be read 
"by every farmer in Mississippi: 

EEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CHANGE OF SYSTEM OF AGRICULTURE. 

Capital Grange, No. 19, Jackson, Miss., March 12, 1879, 
That the agricultural interest of this State is in a deplorable con- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 101 



<litiou no oue can deny, and that other iatcrests and callings are 
feeling the consequent depression naturally flowing from their de- 
pendence on it, cannot be doubted. 

It is time that something should be done to check tliis downward 
course that has been increasing in volume annualh', notwithstand- 
ing the persevering energy with which the tillers of tlie soil have 
striven to mend their broken fortunes resulting from the late war. 
To arrive at the proper remedy we must ascertain the primary 
cause and follow up its attending consequences to the sad result, 
which we now experience. 

Without a doubt the exclusive production of cotton and the 
reliance solely upon it, to purchase all else, is that primary cause. 
Over production, a glutted market, and a fall in value below the 
cost of production, and the loss, instead of profit, the result ; the 
former aggravated by the absence of supplies for the farm, in the 
excessive prices paid for them, induced by the cotton culturers' 
large demand, added to by railroad freights and merchants' com- 
missions and profits, all resulting in the absolute inability to go on 
without the assistance to be only obtained by credit. 

Then the Agricultural Lien Law was the only resource by which 
that credit could be had. A large majorit}'- of those who sought 
its aid, have found themselves the bondslaves of the money 
power (dictating the cultivation of cotton alone as the terms of 
credit) which has absorbed all the product of the toiling bondmen, 
for the necessary food and clothing to maintain them; few have 
escaped it without serious loss and embarrassment. The system of 
credits under tlie Lion Law has so demoralized the labor on which 
the farmers had to depend, that they could neither direct nor con- 
trol it, and it involved certain loss for him to enter into competi- 
tion with the money power in tlie employment of labor for which 
he was compelled to pay full wages and food for w-ork, and receive 
for its product the price fixed by his competitor, who paid no 
w\ages and but half maintainance. 

Thus we find that the labor of the agriculturist, although pro- 
ducing large amounts of money annually, is benefitting but a small 
number of persons in our State, for it is only those who handle the 
cotton in market who make an}' profit from it; the balance goes to 
other communities for meat and bread, a few clothes, and for mules, 
plows, wagons, etc., and the State reall}' becomes poorer under this 
annual drain of the productiveness of its soil, just in proportion to 
the amount of the crop i)roduced from it. 



102 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



The remedy for the great evil, evidently is, in a change to diver- 
sity of crops and the raising of cattle, hogs, sheep, horses and 
mules. The money annuall}' sent out of the State for meat, bread 
and mules amounts to more than half the products of cotton, 
■which if spent at home would remain there to circulate among our 
own people, stimulate business and encourage home manufactures 
by the accumulation of its annual increase, and this, too, with little 
if any diminution of the amount received for cotton as a surplus 
crop, enhanced in value as it would be by reduced quantit}'. 

To carry this change into effect would necessarily require & sub- 
division of our lands by fences, so that we could pasture the large 
area not required for cultivation, which would add considerably to 
the heavy burden of fencing, which is required under the present 
system of permitting all stock to run at large. 

To avoid this additional expense, which would to a great extent 
prevent the beneficial change, will require legislation to relieve the 
land holder from the necessity of fencing against small stock, such 
as hogs, sheep, etc., which involves fully half tlie labor and cost at 
present. Another obstacle to the adoption of this change is, that 
it will require from two to four years for it to begin to make returns 
for the outlay of labor and capital ; which again can be modified 
by favorable legislation in relieving the capital employed, and its 
immature product from taxation for a given time, the loss of rev- 
enue from which could and should be made good by a corresponding, 
or greater tax on cotton seed to the discouragement of its exporta- 
tion, and a corresponding encouragment by its use as a fertilizer, to 
the adoption and energetic carrying oat this greatly needed change 
in the agriculture of our State, the benefits from which will surely 
be participated in by all classes and callings. 

We therefore recommend that the next Legislature be appealed 
to for the prompt enactment of laws for the encouragement of ugii- 
culture, embodying the following subjects, with such provisions as 
maybe proposed: Restriction of railroads as common carriers from 
any discrimination in charges between persons or places. The 
repeal of the lien law, except the landlord and laborer's lien, and 
revive the act of February 21st, 1S40, to provide for the valuation 
of property sold under mortgage and trust deeds. A law requir- 
ing all hogs, sheep and other small stock to be kept from running 
at large. All capital in the breeding and raising of mules and 
horses, and its product until available for marke, to be exempt from 
taxation. A tax on cotton seed transported from the State sufB- 



BESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. lO-'J 



cicnt to suppl}' ain* deficiency caused by the above exemption. 
And such other laws that may induce a pi'ospcrous condition of 
agriculture, that great interest on which all other interests in this 
State are almost whollj- dependent, for not only prosperity but even 
existence itself. 

And we desire and request all the good citizens of our State 
without regard to class or calling, to join with us in promoting the 
speed}' passage of such laws as are called for in the foregoing 
report. 

II. O. Dixon, 
L. F. Alford, 

B. H. lONN, 

C. W. I'iCTRIE, 

Cu.amittee. 



SHEEP HUSBAIDRY IN IIISSISSIPPI. 



Sheep husbandly has never claimed the attention of the farmers 
of Mississippi to the extent its importance merits. A diversified 
agriculture is greatly needed in Mississippi, and there is no branch 
of farming more interesting and more remunerative than the breed- 
ing of sheep. Its injluence on labo7' would be great. Labor is the 
vexed question which stands in the way ot the solution of every 
problem in agriculcure in our State. At the present time, all the 
marketable products of the Mississippi farm are made by the em- 
ployment of expensive human muscle. 

Under existing circumstances, neither brains nor capital, nor both 
combined, can sufticiently control our labor to render it either relia 
ble or profitable. The large introduction of sheep as laborers, or 
manufacturers of grass into wool and manure, will, to a great ex- 
tent, diminish the demand for human labor, reduce its cost and in- 
crease its efficiency by bringing it under better control. 

It will thus be seen, as sheep husbandry is increased in Missis- 
sippi, the difHculties of the labor question will diminish. 

With a view of calling attention to this important subject, we 
propounded the following interrogatories^to farmers in various por- 
tions of our State: 

1. What has been done in your county towards introducing im- 
proved breeds of sheep? 

2. To what breed of sheep do you give the preference? 

3. What breed do you prefer for general purposes, viz: for wool 
and mutton? 

4. What is the annual cost per head of keeping sheep? 

5. What per cent, per annum on investment do your sheep pay? 

6. What is the annual clip per sheep of unwashed wool? 

7. What is the average price received for unwashed wool? 

8. What is th.e average number of lambs raised annually, as com- 
pared with the number of ewes kepi? 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 105 



9. What is the average price of sheep and lambs sold? 

10. What is the average price of sheep in your section? 

11. "What kind of summer and winter pastures have you for 
sheep? 

12. What disease or diseases have proved most fatal? 

13. State renied}' or remedies successfully used? 

14. What are the principal obstacles to sheep-raising? 

\f). What suggestions can you make for surmounting them? 
From answers returned to the above questions, tlie following in- 
formation was gathered: 

1. Answers from 35 counties state that Cotsvvold merino and 
Southdown sheep, had been introduced to a considerable extent. 

2. For wool, a cross between the Spanish merino and the native. 
For mutton, a cross between Cotswold and native. For wool and 
mutton, a cross between the Southdown and native sheep. 

3. Answered in second above. 

4. About an .average of 50 cents per head. 

5. From 55 to 60 per cent. 

6. An average of 3 pounds per head. 

7. Twenty-five cents per pound. 

8. An average of 75 lambs are raised from every 100 ewes. 
0. Average price of sheep for mutton, $2 75; lambs, -Isl 75. 

10. Average price of stock sheep, $2 00. 

11. For summer pastures, Bermuda grass, Japan clover, and a 
great variety of native grasses and shrubs. For winter pastures, 
rj-e, oats, blue grass, orchard grass, and switch cane. 

12. Worms iu the head and foot rot. 

13. A change of pastures and the liberal use of tar on the noses 
of the sheep during the months of June, Jul}^ and August, is the 
best remedy to prevent worms in the head. Remedy for foot rot, a 
strong solution of blue stone and spirits of turpentine, after a free 
use of the knife. 

14. Dogs. 

15. For the Legislature to pass stringent laws taxing dogs. This 
is the unanimous opinion of every correspondent in our State. 

EXPERIENCE OF A GEOKGIAN WITH SIIEKP. 

As covering the ground of most of the questions above, we give 
the report of Cul. Kichard Peters to the Commissioner of Agricul- 
ture of Georgia. 



106 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Col. Peters' experience and experiments extend over a period of 
twenty-nine years, and are of great value. 

Col. Peters has testtd the Spanish Merino, French Merino, South- 
down, Leicester, Improved Kentuckj'-, Costwold and native sheep. 

Of these, the Spanish Merino and natives proved the most profi- 
table, the other breeds proving unhealthy with him. 

He has tested the crosses between the Southdown and Costwold, 
Southdown and Native, Costwold and Native, and Spanish Merino 
and Native. 

The crosses between the Spanish Merino and Native, and the 
Costwold and Native, have proved the most profitable. Of these 
two crosses he, in common with nearly every other Georgia corres- 
pondent, gives the decided preference to the cross of the Spanish 
Merino and Native sheep. 

For general purposes, for wool and mutton, he recommends,most 
decidedly, the cross from Native ewes and Spanish Merino bucks, 
the progeny showing marked improvement, having better constitu- 
tions, fattening properties, thriftiness, and a compact, close and 
fine fleece. 

Where the pasturage is very good and more size is desired, a 
Cotswold buck may be used to advantage, with one-half or three- 
fourths blood Merino ewes. A first cross between the Cotswold 
and Native is seldom successful; the pure bred Cotswold begins to 
decline the first season, and their progeny seldom do well unless 
the pasturage is extra good and in small flocks, with constant care 
and attention. 

While he raises only sevent}' lambs to the hundred ewes of the 
pure Merino, he raises a lamb for every ewe of the crossbred 
Native and Merino. 

DISEASES AND REMEDIES. 

Speaking of the remedies for worms in the head, foot rot and 
diseased livers and intestines of lambs, caused by parasitic worms, 
he says: Change of pasturage and a liberal use of tar on the noses 
of the sheep during the summer months, will check the fly during 
tlie time of depositing its eggs on the nostrils of the sheep. This 
disease shows itself by a running at the nose, and is much more 
prevalent among the native sheep than the Merino. 

The " foot rot " generally 3ields to blue stone and spirits of 
turpentine, after a free use of the knife. It can readily be eradi- 
cated from a flock by the use of nitrate of silver and burnt alum. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 107 

The disease caused b}' worms in the internal viscera of lambs, can 
be remedied by a change of pastures, and b}- keeping the lambs 
from Avet, low grounds during the summer months, and especially 
at weaning time. When lambs arc in good order and run on up- 
land pastures, this disease seldom shows itself to an injurious 
extent. 

In reference to the value of the manure <^f sheep, he says: The 
careful folding of one liundred sheep every night, will manure ten 
acres of land in one year, so as to double its productive capacit}'. 

lie further says: I have found the native sheep can be rapidly 
improved by proper attention, and by separatbKj tlie ewe lambs from 
the buck until over a year old. This is the basis of any successful 
attempt at the improving of the native sheep, and unless strictly 
attended to, no great change can be made. One advantage attend- 
ing the Merino, is the fact, that the ewes seldom breed until they 
are two years old. 

He also, says: The best combination flock for mutton and wool, 
suited to the Southern climate, can readily be built up on the na- 
tives as the basis, by using the Merino buck for the first crop, and 
then the Cotswold to give more size 'and a larger staple to the 
fleece. 

CORESPONDENCE ON SHEEP DUSBANDUY. 

"We will now present to our readers, some of the correspondence 
from farmers who have embarked in sheep husbandry. It is from 
the experience of others, that we gain practical information: 

Near Jackson, Hinds County, Miss., 1879. 

Maj. E. G. Wall— Dear Sir: Your letter of inquiry I take great 
pleasure in answering to the best of my ability. 

There have been several importations of fine breeds of sheep into 
our county in the past two years, of Cotswold, South-Down and 
Merino, with increased interest on tlie subject of sheep-husbandry. 
I prefer the South-Down and Merino to any other breed, as those 
who have introduced Cotswolds, they have not come up to their ex- 
pectations. My flock consists of South-Down, Merino and Native, 
with their crosses. 

As to pasturage, last winter was very severe, but with what tlie 
sheep gleaned from the waste (turned out) fields, salt once or 
twice a week and accasionly some cotton seed, m}' flock kept in 
fine condition. Tlic uncultivated fields lying idle in Hinds County 



lOS STATE OP MISSISSIPPI. 



are well adapted to sheep-husbandry both for summer and winter 
pastures. In this part of the State, there is little or no disposition 
on the part of our turned outfields to clothe themselves with forest, 
but like the prairies of the West are clothed with a fine herbage 
both winter and summer, well adapted to sustain cattle, sheep and 
horses. 

Last year my capital has realized over 100 per cent, invested in 
sheep. 

My spring clip of wool, was an average of more than four pounds 
per head. The clip in July of lamb's wool, 2| pounds per lamb. I 
consider it profitable to shear the lambs in the summer, as it con- 
duces to their comfort and increases their size. It is also, bene- 
ficial to shear and dock lambs. Where it in neglected they are 
annoyed by flies, which produces the maggot worms, and which eats 
the skin underneath the wool, causing mortification and the death 
of many lambs in our climate. (A wash of strong carbolic soap 
will kill the maggots and eggs.) 

The average price of unwashed wool, in our home markets (Jack- 
son and Mississippi Mills) was only 11 cents per pound, while the 
same wools brought in Northern markets from 18 to 25 cents per 
pound. 

From seventy ewes I raised seventy-six lambs. The average 
price of lambs this summer for mutton, $2 50, and $3 00 per head 
for grown sheep, while in winter the}^ command muelihigher,prices. 

The average price of stock sheep I presume for my section would 
be $3 00, while I have recently purchased in Rankin and Simpson 
counties at $1 75 per head in round lots. No diseases have attacked 
my flock as yet. Dogs are the principal obstacle to success in 
sheep-husbandr3^ My flock suffered very much last year from the 
ravages of dogs. Traveling over three or four counties recently I 
found fewer sheep than I expected, and a disposition of many who 
had sheep to sell out, for want of protection from dogs. 

The law making it grand larceny to steal stock has resulted in 
great good, and no greater benefit could be conferred upon the farm- 
ing interests by our Legislature, than to add to said law, some strin- 
gent law bearing upon dogs. Could our flocks be protected from 
that greatest of all enemies, the dog, our agricultural interests 
would soon rise out of their present embarrassed condition and 
that portion of our lands now lying in idleness, which once sen^.; 
forth their thousands of bales of cotton, would give a more profitable 
yield, in beef, hides, mutton and wool. 

Yours respectfully, S. Green Wilson. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 109 



SOUTHV/EST MISSISSIPPI AND SHEEP. 



Maj. E. G. Wall, Stale Commissioner of Agriculture, Jackson, Miss. : 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 11th last., duly received, and I must 
say, that, in j-our present olKcial capacity', j'ou represent the most 
important interest of the State. 

DIVERSIFIED HUSBANDRY. 

The present overproduction and extremely low price of cotton 
render it absolutely necessary for the adoption of a general sj-stem 
of mixed husbandry. DiversiQaction of agricultural products is the 
present and future policy of our farmers, la addition to the rais- 
ing, as the immediate product of the soil, ever^-thing necessar}- for 
home consumption, stocic-raising forces itself upon the attention of 
our people as an essential element of our home industries, not only 
for the purpose of rendering our farms self-sustaining, but to con- 
tribute to their surplus revenues. No section of the State is bet- 
ter adapted to stock-raising, especially to sheep-husbandry, than 
Amite county. We have large tracts of land, once under cultiva- 
tion, but now abandoned and left to the recuperating influences of 
time, which are recovering their exhausted energies and regaining 
their lost fertility b}' a spontaneous effort of nature, and which, by 
judicious management, involving little cost or labor, can be con- 
verted into such pastures for the grazing of all kinds of stock. 
There is an abundance of water, furnished by clear, bold-running 
streams, easil}' accessible, and nothing is wanting, so far aS soil and 
climate and easy facilities are concerned, to make this one of the 
iinest stock countries in the world. When it is known that stock of 
all kinds, hogs excepted, can live and thrive on our pastures for 
nearly two-thirds of the year, with little attention or expense, and 
that the care of them during the winter months, when hogs grow 
fat upon the gleanings of the newlv opened fields and the abun- 
dant mast furnished b}' our extensive forests, requires far less atten- 
tion or food tiian in the higher latitudes, and there can be no ques- 
tion as to our superior advantages, in these respects, over other less 
favored sections, where stock-raising, at far greater trouble and 
expense, has been attended with uniform success. 

A gratifying evidence of returning prosperity is to be found in 
the fact that a greater amount of attention is being paid to the rais- 



110 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



ing of stock than at any period of the past, with an increasing dis- 
position to greater activity in tliat direction. A few of our pro- 
gressive farmers are stocking their places v»^ith sheep in the uncer- 
tain and liazardous venture of adding mutton and wool to the pro- 
ducts of their farms. Knowing the risks to be assumed, they 
embark in this enterprise with much "fear and trembling," for the 
reason that they are not thoroughly prepared for or sufficiently 
understand the business; and for the further reason, that the legal 
protection of this interest is wholly inadequate to its successful 
prosecution. There are in every neighborhood, running at large, 
too many half-starved representatives of the canine race, whose 
natural instincts drive them, with murderous intent, to nightly 
attacks upon the sheepfold. The question ought to be propounded 
to our Legislature, when its "assembled wisdom" is again called 
together, and our "most potent, grave and reverend Seigniors" 
should be required to consider and solve it, is a dog better than a 
sheep ? and, if so tohy ? Let us have a reason, a plausible reason, 
at least, for the faith that inspires their official action. Heavens, 
can a Mississippi Legislature long debate which of the two to 
choose, a manegy, half-starved, sneak-thief cur, or a mutton -pro- 
ducing and fleece-bearing sheep ? If a dog — as the choice has here- 
tofore been, put a collar about its neck, and teach it better man- 
ners — submission to the restraints of government, that with mute 
though earnest, half-beseeching look, turned upon its master, it may 
ask, "Am I not thy dog ?" Let every dog, without a collar be 
treated as a dog without a master. Against it, let every man's hand 
be turned, and at it, let every man's gun, charged with powder and 
ball be ptointed. Watch, and "keep your powder dr}-," and let every 
report go lorth that there is one dog less on earth to disturb the 
peaceful slumbers of the fold. 

But farmers are an order-loving and law-abiding people. They 
dislike to involve themselves in neighborhood feuds and family 
broils. They don't want to be carried before magistrates whose 
natural proclivities incline their prejudices and judgments in favor 
of the dog. A dog is universally i-egarded as a necessary adjunct 
to every household. Petted, cared for and caressed, it is a good 
thing in its place, a valuable thing within its appropriate sphere. 
It serves as a guard to protect its master's property, "a terror to 
evil-doers," and may be trained to other offices, expedient and ben- 
eficial; but a sheep-killing dog is a worthless cur or sneaking hound, 
that deserves to die by means most quick and certain, whether by 



RESOURCES, -CONDITION AND WANTS. Ill 

hanging, shooting or poisoning. Let the universal motto among 
farmers, be "death to slieep-lcilUng do(/s." But let us have some law on 
the subject, that will ailord the necessary protection. Let there be 
an Act passed authorizing the abatement of this class of dogs as a 
public nuisance. INIake every owner of a dog responsible, in dam- 
ages, for the act of his dog, without regard to the circumstances 
under which it is committed. Let this important interest be pro- 
l)erly guarded, encouraged and protected, and it will speedih* 
develop into huge proportions in a country and climate so admira* 
bly adapted to its production. 

J. R. Gai.tney. 
Bloomfieldj Amite county, Miss. 

JEFFERSON COUNTY AND SHEEP HUSBANDRY. 

JIaj. E. G. Wall: 

Dear Sir — In answer to your questions, I send j'ou the follow- 
ing: 

There has been considerable interest manifested in sheep hus- 
bandr}' for a few j-ears past in this county. From a pair of Cots- 
wold sheep, two years old, I sheared 25 pounds of wool, but the 
average is only about four pounds per head for the native sheep. 
Stock sheep cost here about S2 00 to $2 50. Distemper is the 
principal disease. The remedy is to use lime for them to pass over 
and salt often. There is but little obstacle now, to raising sheep 
and stock of all kinds ; wolves and dogs hardly ever disturb sheep 
here. Sheep should be penned and the pastures often changed. 

We have a fine range for cattle, sheep and hogs, and a splendid 
range for raising horses and mnles, and but little attention has 
been paid to it. Our range is Bermuda grass and native grasses for 
summer, and cane for winter. 

Yours truly, Lenj. A. Bullen. 



Rodney, Miss, 



LAWRENCE COUNTY. 



3IaJ. i'. G. Wall: 

Dear Sir — Very little attention has been paid to the improved 
breeds of sheep in this county, and we have none but the natives. 
The cost of keeping sheep is nothing, the}' keep themselves. 
Those who raise sheep make at least 50 per cent, on the investment. 
The average price of shec[) in this section, is 81 50 per head. We 



112 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

bave -open woods pasture, both summer unci winter. No disease 
worth mentioning in the pine woods. Dogs and the laziness of the 
owners are the chief obstacles to sheep husbandry. 

There is no better conntry for sheep in the wide world than the 
Pine woods of South Mississippi. 

Yours respectfully, G. S. McMillan. 

Jlonficello, Mias. 

TISHOMINGO COUNTY AND SIIEEF RAISING. 

Maj. E. G. Wall: 

In answer to interrogatories, I send you the following: 

But little attention has been given to the improved breeds of 
sheep as yet. The best cross for both wool and mutton, I would 
say, native ewes by Spanish Merino buck, for the first, and then 
use a Cotswold buck to give size to body and length of staple to 
the wool. Average price for wool, 25 cts, and average weiglit of 
fleece for common, 2 pounds; for cross with the jNIerino, G pounds. 
Cost of stock sheep, $1 50 to $2 00, per head. Winter and sum- 
mer pastures excellent. Principal disease the rot, and the best 
■remedy change of pastures frequently. The only obstacles to 
sheep husbandry are laziness and thoughtlessness, and the remedy — 
education through papers. 

Northeast Mississippi is the best country for sheep husbandry 
known to the writer. 

Yours respeetfull}', J. J. Chambers. 

Ti'.Jca, Miss. 

TATE COUNTY AND SHEEP IIUSUANDRY. 

The following answers were returned by Maj. A, R. Bowdre, of 
Tate county. Miss. : 

Very little attention has been paid to sheep husbandry in this 
portion of Mississippi. 

A cross between the Southdown and Cotswold, considered the 
best. Cost of keeping sheep per head per annum, about 50 cents. 
Average clip about 3 pounds per head. Price received for un- 
washed wool, 20 to 25 cents per pound. Profits on investment in 
sheep, 75 per cent. Stock sheep arc worth $2 00 to $2 50, and 
lambs $1 50 per head. Jasper clover {Lespedisa Strialta) very 
abundant and very line pasturage for sheep. They are almost 
entirely free from disease of any kind in this section of the State. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 118 

Principal obstacle to raising sheep, dogs; from two to lour being 
an average crop of this useless animal at every negro cabin. A 
good dog law is needed for protection to sheep. 

SHEEP HUSBANDRY AND ATTALA COUNTY. 

JIaJ. E. G. Wall: • 

Very little has l)eon done in this county toward introducing iu)- 
pioved breeds of sheep. I consider the Southdown and the Cots- 
wold the best to cross upon our native sheep. Fift}- cents per 
head is about the annual cost of keeping sheep. Annual clip of 
wool about 3 pounds per head. "Winter and summer pasturage 
good. Diseases among sheep almost unknown here. Chief ob- 
stacles to sheep raising are dogs. A tax upon dogs is the wa}' to 
encourage sheep husbandry. All this section of our State is well 
adapted to stock raising, and especially to sheep husbandry. 

Yours respectfully, Sam'l Phillips. 

Kosciusko, Jliss, 

SHEEP HUSBANDRY IN NOXUBEE COUNTY. 

JIaJ. E. G. Wall: 

Several persons have imported sheep into this county from Ten- 
nessee and Kentucky. The Cotswold are considered the best sheep 
to cross upon the natives for this section. Cost of keeping sheep 
not over 25 cents per head, excepting pasturage. Profit on invest- 
ment in sheep not less than 75 per cent. Annual clip of wool 
from 2 to 4^ pounds per head. My Hock average about 4:\ pounds. 
Winter and summer pasturage good. Bermuda and sedge grass 
for summer, and the run of the plantation for winter. Have not 
been troubled with diseases. Want of attention is the chief ob- 
stacle to sheep husbandry. Any farmer can be a successful sheep 
raiser, if he will have plcnt}^ of bells on the Hock, salt regularl}-. 
keep noses tarred and herd at night. This is a line section of our 
State for stock and especially for sheep. 

Yours respectfully. Mat, ^Iaiiornek. 

Macon, J/i.s'.s'. 

CLAIBORNE COUNTY AND SHEEP HUSBANDRY. 

MaJ. E. G. Wall: 

Very little attention has been paid to introducing improved 
breeds of sheep into this count}'. 3Iy preference is the Spani^ih 



114 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Merino to cross upon the native and tlien the Costwold to give 
size and length of wool. Nothing but pasturage is the annual cost 
of keeping sheep. Stock sheep sell for about $3 per head. We 
have fine summer and winter pastures. Bermuda and crap grass 
for summer, and cane for winter. No diseases to give any trouble. 
Dogs are the principal obstacle to raising sheep. To surmount it 
we need a heavy tax upon useless dogs. 

Yours respectful!}^, Geo. P. McLean. 

Bocky Springs, 3Iiss. 

TIPPAH COUNTY AND SHEEP RAISING. 

Maj. E. G. Wall: 

In answer to your questions, I would state, that very little has 
been done towards introducing improved breeds of sheep into this 
county. My preference are the Spanish Merino and South-Down. 
Annual cost per head for keeping sheep about 50 cents. Average 
clip of wool per sheep, from 2 to 3 pounds. Annual increase of 
flock, one lamb for each ewe. Stock sheep can be purchased at 
from $1 50 to $2 per head. The most fatal diseases that effect 
sheep are the rot and worms. Remed}', change of pastures, with 
the use of salt and charcoal. Dogs are the chief obstacle to sheep 
husbandry. Kill all tlie dogs, and with proper attention the annual 
profit on investment in sheep will be 100 per cent. 
Yours respectfully, 

J. P. Stewart. 

Cotton Plant, Miss. 

PIKE COUNTY. 

Dear Maj. E. G. Wall : 

There has been ver^' little done towards introducing improved 
breeds of sheep into Pike county-. I give the preference to the 
Spanish Merino and the Cotswold to cross upon our native sheep, 
both for wool and mutton. Annual cost to keep sheep, about 25 
cents per head. Profit on investment in sheep with good attention? 
50 to 75 per cent. Average clip of wool per head about 4 pounds • 
About 75 lambs are raised for every hundred ewes. Stock sheep 
can be purchased for $2 per head. Summer and winter pastures 
good, native grasses for summer and oats for winter. No diseases 
among the sheep in this section. Principal obstacles to sheep hus- 



KESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. Hi 



bandrv, had dcjs, which can 1»c sunnountcd Ijy a sli'iiigx'iit lax 
upon doers. 

Yours respectfully, 



W. \V. VALdllT. 



21a(jnolia, Jliss. 



ISSAQUENA COUNTY. 



Maj. E. G. Wall : 

Dear Sir: Iu reference to sheep husbaudr^'. No clTorts have 
been made to improve the sheep of this county, there being few 
sheep here, although enough to demonstrate the fact that sheep can 
be raised ver}^ prolitabl}'. We prefer for market and wool a cross 
between the Cotswold and South-Down, this giving good mutton 
and a superior fleece. The cost per head for keeping sheep has 
not been ascertained. I have a few, and their cost has been noth- 
ing but pasture. 

The number of lambs annually, are one for each ewe. Average 
price of sheep sold $4 per head. For summer pastures we have 
Bermuda grass, winter we turn our sheep into corn lields, (we plant 
peas with our corn, leaving the pea vines in the field.) The onl}- 
disease we have, is occasionally a few sheep die with "Hot;" this is 
caused l)y the dampness of the river bottoms. Wc have no obsta- 
cles to sheep-raising here, except want of energy and a proper 
regard for our own interest. I think sheep husbandry would pa3- 
better here than almost any other farming, as we find ready sale at 
good prices for all we can raise; but like other portions of the 
South, we have "cotton on tlie brain," to the exclusion of every- 
thing else. I am glad to sa}', however, ihere is a great change grad- 
uall}' taking place, that will before long be the ruling passion in 
our county, viz: adversity of crops and plenty of stock. 
Yours respectfully. 



Maijersville, iJ/m. 

WILKINSON COUNTY. 



W. E. Collins. 



JIoJ. K. G. Wall : 

Dear Sir: No efforts have been made, to any great extent, to 
improve the sheep of this county. The annual cost per iiead of 
keeping sheep, not over 25 cents. Profit on investment in sheep 
from 75 to 100 per cent. Average number of lambs raised annu- 
ally, one for every ewe. Stock sheep can l)e purchased at §2 50 per 



116 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



head. We have fine winter and summer pastures in the natural 
grasses. No fatal diseases in this countj^ for many years among 
the sheep. The principal obstacles to sheep raising are dogs, 
which can be surmounted by a dog tax, str3'chnia, powder and 
lead. 

There is no country better adapted to stock-raising than this por- 
tion of Mississippi, and it is peculiarly adapted to sheep hus- 
bandry. 

Yours respectfull}-, 

D. L. Phares, M. D. 



Woodville, Hiss. 



COPIAH COUNTY. 



3Iaj..E. G. Wall: 

Dear Sir: In answer to your questions I will state, very little 
has bsen done in our county towards introducing improved breeds 
of sheep. I prefer the Cotswold crossed on the native sheep both 
for wool and mutton. Annual cost per head of keeping sheep, 
about 25 cents. Stock sheep can be purchased at $2 00 per head. 
Summer and winter pastures very good. The disease most fatal is 
the "Rot," and the remedy is good food, care and attention. The 
only obstacle to sheep-raising are dogs. 

Yours truly, 

S, H. Stackhouse, 

Crystal Springs, Miss. 

ALCORN COUNTY. 

MaJ. E. G. Wall : 

Dear Sir: In compliance with your request I send you the fol- 
lowing answers to j'our questions: 

Very little has l)een done in this count}', towards introducing 
improved sheep. My preference is for the South-Down, both for 
wool and mutton. The annual clip for our sheep will average 
about three pounds, and the average received for unwashed wool^ 
25 cents per pound. Stock sheep can be purchased at from §1 50 
to $2 50 per head. We have very good summer pastures. There 
are scarcely any diseases among our sheep. 

The principal obstacles to sheep-raising are "dorgs." Remedy, 

buckshot. 

Yours respectful]}', 

AV. L. Williams. 
Jiienzi, Mississipin. 



KESOIRCES, CONDITION AND AVANTS. 117 



CLARK, JONES AND OTHER COUNTIES IX SOUTHEAST MISSISSIPPI. 

JfaJ. E. G. Wall : 

Dear Sir: In answering your interrogatories I would say my 
remarks will apply to all the piney woods part of Mississippi. 
Except in the sea coast counties very little attention lias been paid 
towards introducing improved breeds of sheep into this section cf 
our State. The annual cost per head for keeping sheep, is two or 
three pints of salt. Profit on investment in sheep, where the}' are 
attended to, from 60 to SO per cent. 

To the balance of the questions I will make a running answer to 
tue whole: The average clip per head about 3 pounds, and this 
would be increased one-third more, if sheared again early in Sep- 
tember, without detriment to the sheep. Average price of un- 
washed wool, 22 cents. The increase of lambs with the careless 
attention given, about 00 lambs to every 100 ewes. The average 
price of stock sheep, common breeds, about 81 75 per head. 
There are no cultivated pastures for sheep in this section. Their 
pastures are what nature produces — the wild grasses in the i)incy 
woods. Disease is not known among them. The only obstacles 
to sheep husbandry are dof/s and thieves, and the suggestion I 
would make to surmount these, would be tax doys heavily. The 
law making it grand larceny to steal stock will remedy the latter. 
Of late years the Eagles have taken up their abode in the pine}' 
woods and destroy more or less lambs during the months of Feb- 
I'uary and iNlarch, and for their protection, requires the vigilance of 
Lhe hunter. I have onlj^ one instance of improved bucks being in- 
troduced into a liock of common breed, to report, and this was by 
Dr. J. INI. Bayliss, who resides in the southwestern i)art of Jones 
^ount}-. He and his neighbors all advise me, of the marked dilfer- 
2ncc for the better, in the ajjpearance of the lambs and the supe- 
rior lleecc, both in quality and quantity. These bucks (Spanish 
Merino) were obtained from the Hock of Col. M. S. Cockrill, near 
Nashville, Tenn. What is worth}- of notice, these l)ucks were 
brought down in August, turned immediately into thepinoy woods 
range, and through two winters took chances for living with the 
native sheep, and have come through all right. In my opinion 
there is no better country on the face of the globe, for sheep hus- 
bandry, than the piney woods of Mississippi. 

Yours fraternally, J. E. Weluorn. 

Shuhnta, Miss. 



118 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



JASPER COUNTY. 

3Iaj. E. G. Wall: 

In regard to sheep hiisbaiicViy, uo attention has been paid to in- 
troducing improved breeds into this section of our State, until 
recently; farmers have manifested some disposition to engage in the 
business, in order to reap some benefit from the worn and turned 
out lands. About two j'ears ago, I bought 20 ewes and 2 bucks, 
and my flock now numbers 45 head. As to the cost of keeping 
them, I cannot accurate]}^ say. From the middle of March until 
the first of December, they will live on the old fields and farm 
pastures; but I am satisfied, there should be green pasturage for 
them during the winter mouths, such as rye, or oats, say one- 
fourth of an jacre sowed to each head of sheep and dry feed with 
it, they will do well. Dr}^ feed alone causes the breeders to shed 
their wool too early in the spring. The price of common sheep 
and they are the only kind that we have, is from $1 50 to $2 00 
per head. There is onl^^ one difficulty in the way of raising sheep 
in this section and that is the numerous and hungr}- dogs. A 
heavy tax should be laid upon dogs. 

This portion of our State is a fine country for stock of all kinds, 
and as I see you are. Commissioner of Immigration and Agricul- 
ture, I will make a few suggestions as to the land through this 
belt. 

The termination of the oak woods, is three miles south of thi& 
point, then the pine woods extends to the sea coast. There is a 
belt of lands about twenty miles wide, bordering on the oak woods 
and running eas<-, and west, say from the Mobile and Ohio railroad 
as far west as my knowledge extends. Two-thirds of this land is 
yet public property; it is all pine woods except creek swamps. 
There are hundreds of acres of this land, the growth on which is 
mixed with oak and liickory, lies well and has a fine clay soil, the 
most suitable for small farms of any country I know. The people 
living in this section, until the last few years, lived well, mostl}' 
by raising stock on the range, hunting and fishing. Recently it 
has been discovered that these lands, with a little attention, will 
produce as much corn and cotton to the acre as any in the oak 
woods, and I believe more peas, potatoes and sugar cane. It ex- 
cels any land I ever planted in oats. The reason I say they are 
mostly suited for small farms, there are small bodies of rich lands 
and reed breaks surrounded by hills, which are fit for nothing but 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 119 

timber and grazino: stock, wliicli adds a great deal to the small 
farmers' benefit. These reed breaks when drained and put in cul- 
tivation, will make from 30 to GO bushels of corn per acre, and 
when they are enclosed and the stock kept off two or three sum- 
mers, the reed improves, so that a few acres will winter several herd 
of cattle. 

This is truly a fine country for small farmers, for with mixed 
farming, stock raising, sheep husbaudr}', good hunting n!iil fishing, 
he can live as cheaply and as well as in any portion of tbe world. 
Yours respectfully, Wii. McCurdy. 

Claiborne, Jliss. 

Before closing this department of the " Resources, Condition 
and Wants" of the State of Mississippi, we present the report of 
Col. TomCrutchfield, of Chattaaooga, Tenn., to Col. J. B. Killebrew, 
Commissioner of Agriculture for that State. Col. Crutchfield is 
one of the most successful sheep raisers in the South. 



SHEEP HUSBANDRY IN TENNESSEE. 



Sheep husbandry has never claimed the attention of the farmers 
in this division, to the extent its importance merits. In many 
counties there is not wool enough grown to furnish stockings to 
the inhabitants. For producing heavy mutton sheep there is no 
part of the State better adapted. The numerous railroads give easy 
access to markets, and good prices could be realized for carl}^ lambs 
and fat mutton sheep. It is a fact well known, that, owing to the 
milder climate of West Tennessee the lambs of January arc as 
healthful and hardy as the February lambs in the Central Basin. 
This is a great advantage, giving the benefit of bare markets to the 
West Tennessee breeder. If more attention were given to sheep- 
raising in that division, and less to cotton growing, great improve- 
ment would soon be visible not only iu the general management and 
productiveness of the farms, but in the financial status of the far- 
mers themselves. There is nothing for which there is so constant 
a demand for as fat lambs and good mutton. Wool, which can be 
produced at about the same cost as cotton, is always of ready sale. 
A diversified agriculture is greatly needed in "\yest Tennessee, and 
there is no branch of farming more interesting and more rcmunei'- 



120 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

ative tlian the breeding of sheep. With the lands in West Ten- 
nessee carrying a fair number of sheep, there would be in the 
aggregate an immense addition to the income of the farmers, and 
thrift, plency and contentment would take the place of doubt, fear 
and disappointment. 

J. B. Killehreio, Commissioner of Agriculture, etc. : 

Dear Sir: You ask me, for the use of your bureau, my exper- 
ience in sheep husbandry, and such suggestions as I may see pro- 
per to make. 

I would much prefer some one more competent and of greater 
experience than I had been called upon. 

My fu'st practical experience with sheep commenced in 1864, since 
when and up to the present time I have given it more than ordinary 
attention, having found it not only a great pleasure in conjunction 
Vi'ith other duties of the farm, but also one of greater profit in pro- 
portion to the capital invested, than anything else pertaining to the 
farm. 

I had been accustomed to the native sheep of Tennessee, had 
never seen any of the improved breeds, and Avell remember my 
astonishment when I first saw the massive Cotswolds at Laurel 
Hill, the beautiful home of James P. Johnson, of Williamson 
count}', from whom I made my first purchase of Cotswolds. 

In 1861 I purchased a lot of native ewes and was fortunate in. 
getting the use of a superior Spanish Merino ram, bred by K. Peters 
of Atlanta, Georgia, to cross upon them, which cross gave great 
improvement in carcass, form and fleece, covering the naked places 
of the natives, and making the fleece much more dense and the fibre 
finer and stronger. 

I saved the ewe lambs of this cross and bred them to an improved 
Kentucky buck, bred by Robert W. Scott, of Frankfort, Ky., which 
increased the size of cnrcass and gave greater length and yield of 
wool. 

The ewe lambs of his get were bred to the Cotswold buck bought 
from James P. Johnson, and I have continued to breed to the best 
Cotswold buck I could procure, American breed and imported, 
never using one buck longer than two 3'ears, and never breeding in- 
and-in. In the meantime I have added to my flock American bred 
and imported Cotswold ewes at heavy cost, breeding them to the 
same bucks. 

The imported and American bred Cotswolds and their oflfspring 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 121 

are not superior either in carcass or fleece to tliose of my own 
breeding. I clipped samples of wool from Piincc of Wales, an 
imported English bred buck, and also from a ewe of m}' own breed- 
ing which, through several generations, could be traced back 
through the 3Ierino cross to the native. I sent these samples to 
mj' wool merchants in Boston, Mass., with history' of the wool and 
requested their opinion of the wool on its merits. They pro- 
nounced the ewe's wool superior to the buck's ! It was equally as 
good combing, about eighteen inches long, was of finer and stronger 
llbre, soft to the touch, attributable to the shade of INIerino in it. 

The effects of the cross to the Spanish Merino in fineness and 
softness of fibre and densit}' of fleece, and strength of staple remain 
for many generations. I cull ni}' ewes annually at shearing time, 
marking all that are deficient in form or fleece, or that are becoming 
aged, and set them apart with tlie wethers for mutton, which are 
sold the following spring, after taking from them their fleece, they 
commanding a better price than ordinary sheep, because they gross 
less and are better mutton. 

I sold a lot last spring, (fatted principally on grass) to the butch- 
ers of Chattanooga that averaged 166|-lbs. gross, having clipped an 
average of lOj lbs. of nice combing wool, which sold at 374c. per 
pound; the price received for them was 6 cents per pound gross, 
netting me Sl-i per head, while the market for ordinary mutton was 
4 cents. They grossed less than one-third, and were sold for fifteen 
cents per pound, net, and like Oliver Twist "the cry was for more." 
(And here by way of parenthesis allow me to say that all improved 
stock, hogs, cattle, etc., will give like results over the 'rcrub.) 

I never breed in-and-in; its effects tell more rapidly and surely 
upon sheep than upon any other stock. 

The buck is allowed to go to the ewes about the middle of 
August, and is taken from them in November or December. The 
buck should not be allowed to run with the ewes after they are 
impregnated, or while they are lambing as there is danger of mis- 
carriage by his injuring them. If a ewe miscarries or loses a lamb 
after mature birth, she will usually let the buck serve her again in 
a week or two after such loss, and sometimes when the ewe is nurs- 
ing she will be served by the buck, which causes lambs to be 
dropped at unseasonable times, keeping the ewe in poor condition 
and difficult to keej) through the winter, with a delicate lamb and 
loss of lamb from her the next spring. 

The ewe lambs should not be bred untd a year old [)ast; it checks 
their growth and weakens their constitution. 



122 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



In Tennessee we have a, wonderful diversity of soil, climate, 
locality and pasturage. In East Tennessee we have the hills and 
mountains, almost inexhaustible summer range, with localit}^ eleva- 
ted and dr}', with never-failing streams of pure water, also the pro- 
ductive valley's, river and creek bottoms with their rich meadows- 
In Middle Tennessee, we have the blue-grass region, equal to Ken- 
tucky, furnishing good grazing almost the 3^ear round. The breed 
of sheep that would be suited to one locality might not be suited 
to another. lu selecting a breed for any locality we should take 
into consideration feed, climate and surrounding circumstances, 
with market facilities and demand for the mutton or wool, or both. 
We should then use that breed which will give the greatest net 
value of marketable products. 

In Middle Tennessee, especially the blue-grass region, the large 
imported English breeds, giving heavy carcass and great yield of 
wool, can be more successfully and profitably bred and reared than 
in any portion of the State, unless in special localities where they 
can be given rich pasturage similar to that furnished b}^ the bluo- 
grass of Middle Tennessee. 

No one breed of sheep combines all the good qualities, hence the 
many crosses that have been made, not only with all the improved 
English breeds, but also at home with our own natives. I believe 
it is a matter of experience with sheep breeders that the most pro- 
fitable sheep are those of cross-breed races. 

By the breeder breeding for a specific purpose, as Bakewell, of 
the Dishly farm, did in producing the improved Leicester; as Kob- 
ert "W. Scott, of Frankfort, Ky., did in producing the improved 
Kentucky, as has been done in breeding to produce the Oxford- 
shire, Hampshire and Shropshire Downs, all, even the Cotswolds, 
have been refined by the mixture of other blood. Originally they 
were bred only on the head waters of the rivers Severn and Thames, 
and Avere a ver3' large coarse sheep. They have been extensively 
crossed with the Leicester or Bakewell, diminishing their size and 
fleece, but improving their carcass and rendering it earlier of matur- 
ity, giving to their fleece the lustre that it did not original]}^ possess, 
and at the same time detracting from its density. 

The improved breeds from the States are being shipped to Color- 
ado, California, New Mexico, etc., to cross upon the natives there. 
So we of Tennessee, with our great diversity of soil, climate, etc.; 
by judicious crosses upon our natives, can furnish a counterpart at 
little cost, for every race of sheep valuable for its fleece or mutton, 



RESOUFwCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 123 

if ^Ye give our time and attention to' such as may be suited to cacli 
locality. 

Probabl}' niuc-teutlis of tlie sheep of Tennessee are natives — 
scrubs — yielding about two pounds of ^v'ool, and of mutton, gross, 
about sixt^^ pounds. 

These of themselves are of but very little benefit to the owner or 
to the revenue of the State — but as a basis upon which to build, by 
using improved males, they can be made with very little cost a great 
source of revenue to the owner and to the State. 

In my judgment, by using the native ewes of fair size, good 
shape and robust constitution as a base, and crossing upon them 
the Spanish Merino buck, saving the ewe lambs of such cros^, and 
breeding them to the Cotswold buck, we can produce a breei of 
sheep healthier and better suited to our climate, soil and pasturage 
than any of the improved breeds, yielding as much mutton in car- 
cass, and as great a quantity of wool. A cross of Merino and Cots- 
wold would result similarly, but would not utilize the great number 
of natives. A cross direct of the Cotswold and natives is a vast 
improvement, getting rapidly to the laige carcass, and great yield 
of wool, but without the Merino cross, the density of llcecc, fine- 
ness and softness of fibre imparted by it, cannot be attained. 

It is of the utmost importance that those breeding either of full 
bloods or crosses should select the best of rams. A good Merino 
ram bred to the native ewe adds one luiudred per cent, to the yield 
of wool, and greatly to the carcass in symmetry of form and fat- 
tening qualities. Nor is this all, the half-bloods are worth double 
their dams, and can be used as a basis of still higher and greater 
improvement by the use of the large carcass, long-wooled, rams, 
which cross will greatly increase the weight of carcass and double 
the yield of wool. When the number of lambs produced by one 
ram is taken into consideration, and when it is seen over what an 
immense extent, even in his own direct offspring, his good or bad 
qualities are to be perpetuated, how obvious then that none but the 
best bucks should be selected ! How important, tlicn, that every 
scrub ram in the State should be exterminated, and his place sup- 
plied with one of the improved breeds! 

In a few years the natives would become extinct, and in their 
stead v.-e should have a breed of sheep yielding from twice to four 
times the quantity of wool, and of a superior quality, aside from 
the great increase of mutton in carcass. 

Some may say that the expense of procuring an improved Inick 



124 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



is greater than they can bear. If the}^ are able to own a flock of 
sheep, they are able to own an improved buck. It would be money 
saved to give half an ordinary flock of natives for an improved 
buck. It would be monej^ saved to give half an ordinary flock of 
natives for an improved buck. 

The increase of wool alone (not taking into consideration the 
increased value of the lambs of the first year's get by an improved 
buck) would pay for him, and every clip after that, with the increase 
of lambs, is that much gained. 

The Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Georgia 
reports the annual profit on capital invested in sheep at 63 percent* 
Tennessee ought to do equally as w^ell, in fact, better — for in Geor- 
gia the improved breeds will not succeed as well as in Tennessee. 

DISEASES. 

With proper change of pasturage and keeping the sheep away 
from low, moist ground, they are comparatively free from disease. 

If sheep are kept up, it is better to have their pastures divided 
into two or more lots, and let them occupy«one portion two or three 
weeks, and then change to another. The change is of great impor- 
tance to secure health and necessary variety of food. There are 
certain pungent plants and weeds which sheep are very fond of, and 
which seems necessar}^ to their health, for which the}^ will leave the 
best of grasses to feed upon, which become exhausted in permanent 
pastures. 

Salt and shade should be constantly accessible. During the sum- 
mer months the}'- feed earl}^ in the morning and late in the evening, 
and during moonlight nights, late into the night. They resort to 
the same sheltering places of shade and rest da}'- after day, which 
become very foul and injurious, unless kept covered with litter or 
cleared off. 

In the months of June and July they are very much annoyed by 
the gad -fly depositing its egg in the nostril ef tlie sheep. The dis- 
charge from the nostral caused by the larva of the fly is frequently 
called "the rots." Though very annoying to the sheep, it is not a 
disease. The grub is found in the heads of most all sheep — a sira. 
ilar grub is found in the head of the deer, deposited by the buck- 
lly. By a copious and oft-repeated application of tar to the nose 
of the sheep, during the month of June and July, the fly is less 
troublesome, being repelled by the tar. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 125 

I have lost a few sheep by '"Staggers," "turnsick," etc., properly 
Hj'datid on the brain, by allowing the sheep to range upon low, wet, 
spongy lands. By removing them at once the disease ceased. 

By changing from dry food or short pasturage to rich, sue* 
culent pasturage, and especially to rank clover pasture, I have 
had m}^ sheep to scour badh*. I have never failed to control it by 
removing to a shorter pasture, or feed a few days upon dry food, 
hay, oats, etc. 

They should not be sheared in spring until all danger of cold has 
passed. After the loss of their fleece they are very liable to take 
cold, which results in a cough and discharge from the nostril, and 
frequentl}' in the loss of the sheep. 

They should never be sheared in the fall — they need their warm 
coat as well as man to protect them through the winter. They 
should have open shelters accessible at all times to protect them 
from severe storms. 

I have never seen a case of Foot-rot, which is a disease of the 
foot. I have frequently had m}' sheep to get quite lame in their 
for feet, but upon examination found that the lameness was caused 
by breaking of the hoof, and not un-frequently a small chip or stick 
would get into the cleft of the hoof, which, by constant irritation, 
would make a sore and create lameness — sometimes after rains the 
mud which would be forced into the cleft while soft, would harden, 
and b}' chafing produce lameness; b\' simp]}'' removing the cause, 
the lameness would soon be gone. If, at shearing time, a little 
pains be taken to trim the foot, much of this would be avoided. 

When the bucks and ewes are placed together for the purpose of 
breeding, the tail and the buttocks of the ewes, and the wool 
from the belli/ of the buck, should be cleanly trimmed — a neglect 
of this, especially with the loug-wooled breeds, frequently results 
in loss of impregnation of ewe, and a weakening of the buck by a 
discharge in the clotted wool of the belly of the buck or buttock 
of the ewe. 

The lambs should be docked (tails cut off) when a i'cw days old. 
It improves the appearance of the sheep, and i)rcvcuts much trou- 
ble when purging takes place, which if allowed to remain in warm 
weather, will be blown by the fly and filled with maggots, which, if 
neglected, will spread over the body of the sheep, resulting in 
death. 

I mark my lambs when a year old— at shearing time— using 
Dana's patent label, by the numbers. I can keep their ages and 
their breeding correctly. 



126 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



TICKS. 

If annoyed with sheep tick — ahoist two weeks after slicnving the 
ticks will all leave the older sheep and go the lambs — by dipping 
the Inmb in a solution prepared of Bnchan's carbolic sheep dip, you 
destroy not only the tick but the eggs. 

EUTCHEIUNG. 

Many persons do not eat mutton because of the peculiar sheepy 
odor and taste sometimes found in the mutton, and attribute it as 
being due to the contract of the wool with the meat. 

This is a mistake. The true cause of this taste or odor lies in 
the delay of disemboweling the carcass. If the intestines are 
allowed to remain until the pelt is removed, the gases emitted from 
them are disseminated through the flesh, which causes the objec- 
tionable taste or odor. Disembowel the carcass at once, before the 
pelt is removed. Or, as soon as the throat of the animal is cut? 
having it tied up by the hind feet with its head hanging down, cut 
a hole between the hind quarters, and,/?7Z the body at once with cold 
water; then take the pelt off at you leisure, and remove the entrails, 
and you will have none of that disagreeable odor. 

now TO MAKE WOOL UNIFORM. 

One thing of which I thought, but it escaped me at the proper 
time, is this: The sheep should be kept in uniform condition to 
produce good wool. If the condition of the sheep is kept uniform, 
the wool will be uniform. If the sheep are allowed to grow poor 
and then suddenly fatted, or vice versa, the staple of the wool will 
change in the same way. With combing wool, it injures it material- 
ly, as where the weak places are it gives way, destroying its value 
as combing wool. Fat sheep make fact wool. Wool from sheep 
kept in good, uniform condition, will be uniform throughout, and 
the yield from the same sheep greater, longer, stronger and heavier, 
having more yolk. 

In writing I endeavored to give you my idea, and the reasons for 
it, of the best sheep for Tennessee, as a whole, and at the same time 
utilize the natives, which are now comparatively worthless. There 
are breeders of the Downs — Southdowns, Shropshiredowns, Oxford- 
shircdowns, etc., etc. For a medium avooI and high-flavored mut- 
ton, these sheep arc exceedingly valuable, but for wool and mutton 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 12 7 

combiiiCLl, where carcass also is desired, tlie cross I have mentioned 
I think is decidcdls- preferable. 

Biicep suniuLiuR'.s shod their wool, and I have heard old I'iirniers" 
attribute it to feeding them corn. Such is not the true cause. Any 
sudden change — if suddenly fatted, from poverty, or allowed to 
become rapidly thiu from good flesh, they Avill shed their wool. If 
from any cause they arc sick, causing them to have fever, as from 
garget, swelled udder, caused b}- loss of lamb, they will shed their 
wool. 

I said nothing about feeding or grazing; every one will control 
that to suit himself; nor as to the dogs, which is the greatest obsta- 
cle of all to successful and profitable sheep raising. The more we 
can get interested in sheep, the fewer friends the dog will have. 

My ewes are now lambing, in which they have heretofore been 
very proficient. At one time 23 ewes brought consecutively, 47 
lambs; 22 having twins and the 23d triplets. In 1877, 50 ewes 
raised 79 lambs. 

Since 186(5 I have received for sheep and wool sold 83,1)74 00 

I have now on liand lOO head, which I could not replace byiJur- 

chase for I,o00 00 

Value of flock and increase from it $o,474 00 

1 have expended for breeding ewes and rams 057 50 

Leaving a gross profit for 12 years, of $4,810 50 

or over GO per cent, per annum upon the capital invested, suppos- 
ing the same to have been invested at the beginning, while about 
one-half of it has been invested in the past few j'ears. 

I have said nothing as to the cost of keep, or the benefits derived 
from the sheep, but taking one-fourth of the gross profits, which is 
about $1 50 per head per annum, without giving to the sheep an}' 
credit for benefits derived from them, which are many, and there is 
still left over 45 per cent, per annum for twelve consecutive years. 

I have sustained losses by dogs, by accident, by theft and bv 
disease, the latter principally with lambs — but none of the diseases 
incident to P^uropean flocks have troubled me. With dry grounds, 
l)ropcr attention to grazing and feeding, and salting, with shelter 
during inclement seasons, my flock has kept quite healthy. 

I do not believe such profits can be realized upon sheep on a large 
scale, or even with a smaller number, if the husbandman relies upon 
the breed alunc (to make his profits) without giving them proper 



128 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



care and attention. But I am sure that the farmer of Tennessee 
who will use ordinary judgment in making his selections, and ordin- 
ary care in handling his flock, adapting the same to the capacity of 
his farm, will reap a greater profit in proportion to the capital 
invested, than from any ot'aer source. His flock will be to him bet- 
ter than Government or State bonds, returning to him annually, or 
semi-annually if ho desires it, coupon fleece, far exceeding in inter- 
est any Government or State bond, with no fear of repudiation con- 
stantly staring him in the face, and with the proud consolation that 
it is the result of his own care and attention, and not wrung from 
the sweat and blood of the toiling millions. 

Toji Crutchfield. 
Amnicola, Feb. 5, 1879. 



HOG RAISING IN MISSISSIPPI. 



It is a well ascertained fact, that the people of Mississippi send 
ut of the State annually more than one-half of the proceeds of 
ie cotton crop for bread and meat. Of this vast sum, more than 
in millions of dollars, is paid out annually lor pork and bacon, 
'his mone\% retained in Mississippi by raising our own supply of 
ork, would be felt b\- every class of the community and would 
) a great extent relieve the prevailing hard times. 

There is no State in the Union better adapted to hog raising than 
lississippi, as to soil, climate and productions. Will the farmers 
f our State suffer this reproach upon their farm economy to Q3n- 
nue? There is already a decided improvement in this respect, and 
e believe in the next ten years an entire revolution will have been 
ffected, and the smokehouse will again be a prominent feature on 
very farm. 

The value of the influence of abundant home made supplies 
pon the energy and contentment of both farmer and laborer, can 
ardly be over estimated, and its importance, in a financial point of 
iew, can be seen at a glance. No agricultural people can prosper 
ho purchase. their meat and bread from abroad. 

The restoration of the prosperity of Mississippi will not be 
chieved through legislation, but must begin with the individual 
irmcr. Our State is, strictly speaking, agricultural, and depends 
pon the industrial elTorts or the tillers of the soil for its nggre- 
atc prosi)C'rity. 

'I'he production of an abundant sui)plv of pork on each farm, 
illbean important factor in the problem of working out the agri- 
ultural prosperity of our State. 

Mississippi farmers must produce their own meat and bread and 
3me to spare for the towns, before they can expect to be prosper- 
us and independent. 
9 



130 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



INFORMATION TO PRACTICAL FARMERS. 

In endeavoring to call the attention of the faraiers of our State, 
to this important subject, our correspondence has elicited the fol- 
lowing information : 

Capt. W. L. Williams, of Eienzi, Alcorn county, says: 
Of all the breeds of hogs, 1 give the decided preference to the 
Berkshire, as best adapted to this section of the State. With good 
pastures pork can be raised here very cheaply. The disease most 
fatal to hogs is the cholera, but is rarely epidemic here. Remedy 
and preventive — soft soap, blue stone, salt and sulphur. There 
is no obstacle to hog raising here, except want of care and atten- 
tion. 



Capt. Geo. P. McLean, Rocky Springs, Claiborne county, says: 
I give the preference to the Berkshire, as best adapted to this 
countA'. My pork does not cost more than from 3 to 5 cents per 
pound to raise it. The disease most fatal is the cholera, and the 
best remedy is the free use of coal oil. The only obstacle to hog 
raising is want of care and attention. 



Col. J. E. Welbon, of Shubuta, Clarke county, says: 
The breeds best adapted to this eection are the Berkshire and 
Essex, (both black hogs) but my preference is slightly in favor of 
the Berkshire. There is no profit in hog raising wuth us, if it has 
to be done exclusively upon corn. But commence in April with 
out lots for sov/s and pigs, which shall be in quantity sufficient to 
carry them to the middle of June, by which time, the oat fields 
should be opened and plenty of crab grass, which will suffice to 
August, then a lot of sorghum cane, which will carry them to the 
pea-fields the last of September, then pinders, chufas and sweet 
potatoes, should carry them to the smoke-house the last of Decem- 
ber, or first of January, 

In the meantime, in August and September, large turnip patches 
should be made to begin with in January, to boil the turnips with a 
little meal for the sows and pigs, to carry them to the oat patch in 
April, This plan, industriously pursued, will make one year old 
bogs weigh 200 to 250 pounds, and the pork will not cost over four 
cents per pound. To make hog raising a success, it must be done 
by having plenty of pasturage and cheap food. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 131 

One of the obstacles to liog raising are the diseases they arc sub- 
;ct to. The mistaken cr\' is, that every hog that dies, cholera was 
iie cause, ignoring the fact that they are as subject to ;jMe«;/4ouia 
nd d'lptheria (as children), and young hogs I think more than to 
liolera. I have found from experience that hogs properly shcl- 
2red and well bedded is the J)est preventive for all diseases. 
Exposure to cold, wet beds, is the prime cause of nine-tonths of the 
iseases to which the hog family is incident. 



Dr. Stackhouse, Crystal Springs, Copiah county, says: 
The ^Jerkshire and Irish Grazer, have been, and still are, my 
avorites, as well adapted to this section. Can be raised most 
rofitably by good pea, sweet potato and corn crops. This has 
cen the trouble and wh}- have we been so tributary to the North 
jr meat. It can be raised as cheap in Mississippi as any where, 
'here are other adjuncts that will help, sorghum seed, nothing bet- 
er for pigs, the grass nut, the ground artichoke, our native 
rasses, and Bermuda grass; our swamps are good, abounding in 
egetable and animal matter. 
Before the war I did not know what il was to purchase meat, 
liough a sufferer two seasons by hog disease; most years made 
neat to sell. The disease referred to commonly called hog cholera, 
3 a disease confined to no locality'. I think it has a misnomer — it 
5 protean in its character, no organ but what is sometimes iu- 
olved. It should I)e called hog epidemic. Like all epidemics it 
ppears to have a definite time to run. Iii the hog '.t resembles 
ery much tbc typhoid fever in man. I can't say, there has ^'ct 
leen found for it, (like cholera in man) a remedy. In some cases 
'. have done some good, by giving calomel, tart. emit, and saltpetre, 
'he two great obstacles to hog raising, arc thieves and the disease 
eferred to. A ligid enforcement of the law will help to remove 
he lirst, and tlie latter is seldom epidemic here. 

Hon. F. ]\I. Glass, Attala county, Miss., says: 

There are more hogs in our count}', than there have been for 
ears. The hog cholera prevailed in some localities. Corn boiled 
n lye-soap is a good preventive. The Derkshire breed isj gener" 
lly given the preference here. The cost of raising a pound of 
lork is about 3 cents. I have no other suggestions for raising 
logs, 'more than close attention, feed well with corn, furnish good 



132 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



pasturage and we will succeed in raising meat for home consump- 
tion. Outside of that it will not pay. 



S. Green Wilson, near Jackson, Hinds county, says: 

I prefer the Berkshire and E&sex (black hogs) for this climate. 



W. E. Collins, Mayersville, Issaquena county, says: 

The Berkshire and the Poland China (Magie) are tiie ruling 
favorites in this section. I have a herd of 50 Berkshires and about 
the same number of Poland China. I like both, but think the 
Berkshire the most desirable, all things considered. I am experi- 
menting; am not now prepared to sa}^ what would be the best plan 
for profitable hog raising. 

My graded hogs, of which I have quite a number, are allowed 
the x*ange of the swamp, attended by a man to guard them. My 
thoroughbred sows and boars are given the range of a fenced pas- 
ture, besides a feed once a day of corn. I am preparing a clover 
pasture for them. This for summer range. T have so far been 
successful in evading all diseases among my hogs after 3 months 
old; under that age I have lost a few with what I supposed to be 
worms. 

The principal obstacle to hog raising or cattle raising is the 
thievish propensities of the negroes, a certain class among them 
subsisting almost entirel}^ by theft. Enforcement of the stock law 
is the best plan to rid the country of the obstacle. 



Mr. Wm. McCurd}'-, of Claiborne, Jasper county, says: 

The different breeds introduced into this county are the Corbet, 
the Berkshire and Essex. The Corbett is the smallest but very 
hardy, industrious, constantly rooting and grazing. I have tried 
them in woods, such as reed brakes and swamps, and they do well 
with little attention. A cross between them and the Berkshire 
makes a good hog and I think best adapted to this climate and the 
treatment farmers give their hogs. 

I think pork can be raised here at a cost of 3 to 4 cents per 
pound, or at least that is my experience and I raise most of my 
meat. 

The disease most fatal is commonl}^ called cholera, but in my 
judgment it is worms, and ver}'- easy overcome. When feeding use 
occasionally a little common lye-soap, salt and coperas mixed; 
give once or twice a month in their feed, and there will be no 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 133 

cholera among your herd. I liavc been successful iu some cases 
where the hog was down with the so-called cholera, by giving a few 
drops of spirits of turpentine in a little mashed feed, or by drench- 
ing and bathing it well on the loins over the kidneys with turpen- 
tine. We can raise meat for home consumption in this county 
very profitably. 



Mr, B. A. Bullen, Rodne}', Jefferson count}-, sags: 
I give the preference to Berkshire breed of hogs. Hogs can be 
most profitably raised on good pastures with attention and plenty 
of corn. Cholera is the most fatal disease; as a remedy small 
doses of calomel and opium should be given. The principal ob- 
stacle to hog raising — bad lences. B3' a union of the farmers. 
good fences can be made, and the obstacle overcome. 



Capt. ^lat IMahorner, 3Iacon, Noxubee count}', says: 
I prefer the Berkshire. Principal obstacle to raising hogs, want 
of corn, oat fields and clover pastures. (Cotton on the brain.) 

3Iaj. W. W. Vaui^ht, Magnolia, Pike count}', says : 
My preference for this section is the Berkshire breed of hogs. 
Can be most profitably raised, by having suitable pastures with 
plenty of peas and sweet potatoes ; cost per pound of raising pork 
4 to 5 cents. Cholera is the disease most fatal to hogs. As a 
[n'ccntive, corn soaked in tar and a free use of charcoal and 
sulphur. 

IMaj. A. 1\, Bowdre, Seuatobia, Tate county, says: 
I prefer the Berkshire (Tennessee or Big Bone) and Essex, or a 
cross of the two, as the breeds most suitable to this section. Hogs 
can be raised most profitably'' by growing small grain for their 
gleaning, and by pasturing on clover. When fed from tlie corn 
crib it costs G cents per pound to raise pork. This is the method 
almost exclusively adopted in this county. No profit in making- 
pork here without change of method. Cholera is the most fatal 
disease. Have tried many remedies without success. Tiic disease 
may be prevented by feeding hogs on kitchen slops with plenty of 
salt, to which add a decoction of Phytolacca. 

Capt. W. P. Stewart, Cotton Plant, Tippah county, says : 
I give the preference to the Berkshire kind of hogs; some think 
crossed into the Poland-China, they do hotter. The most profila- 



134 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



ble way to raise hogs is to keep few in number and give plenty of 
food and attention. Cost of raising pork 3 to 6 cents per pound. 
Diseases most fatal to hogs are cholera and worms. As a prevent- 
ive give charcoal, sulphur and copperas with feed. Principal ob- 
stacle to raising hogs is trying to raise too many; feed and proper 
attention will overcome it. 

Mr. J. J, Chambers, luka, Tishomingo count}', says: 
The preference here is given to the Berkshire breed of hogs. 
They are hardy and good grazers. Cost of raising pork 
here not over two to four cents per pound. The most fatal dis- 
ease, cholera. Preventives, clean pens, pure water, good sound 
feed. No certain cure after the disease has become established. 

The principal obstacles to raising pork, cotton, no clover pas- 
tures; to overcome them, sow clover, rj^e, oats, barley, turnip, peas, 
and plant corn enough to feed on. Improved breeds do well here, 
and hog raising would be made profitable by attention. 

Dr. D. L. Phares, Woodville, Wilkinson county, says: 
The breeds of hogs best adapted to this section of the State, are 
Neapolitan, Berkshire, and Magie (Poland China). The cost to 
make a pound of pork, from one to five cents. Diseases most 
fatal to hogs here, lung fever and congested liver. Remedy, calo- 
mel and soda. Principal obstacles to hog raising, thieves and in- 
adequate attention; can be overcome by better education. 

PREVENTIVES. 

The following remarks on preventives for diseases incident to 
hogs, we copy from Dr. T. P. Janes, Commissioner |of Agricul- 
ture for Georgia^—" Manual on the Hog": 

These properly embrace whatever will conduce to the general 
health of the hog, and include proper feeding, care, and the use of 
certain disinfecting medicines, such as sulphur, tar or turpentine, 
salt and alkalies. 

The food should be varied and natural, consisting of grain, grass 
and roots. 

The care should be such as is entirely consistent Avith recognized 
laws of health, as applied to swine. They should be protected 
from violent changes of temperature, so fruitful of disease, and es- 
pecially of that class of diseases which affect the respiratory or- 
gans, which are in nearly every case of cholera, more or less impli- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 135 



cated. It should be the especial care of the farmers to provide suit- 
able sleeping places for his hogs, for it is while asleep that all ani- 
mals arc most susceptible of disease. There is, perhaps, no cause 
so fruitful of disease in the hog as sleeping in dust. Every one 
who has had experience in raising hogs will admit that sleeping in 
dust invariably' produces disease of some kind, and especially of 
the respirator}' organs and canals. The first evidence of the ill 
eflects of inhaling dust in their beds is manifested by a wheezing 
cough when leaving them, which is also one of the Hisl premoin- 
tor3' s^'inptonis of cholera. 

The health of the hog is impaired by the dust, and the system 
brought into a debilitated condition, favorable to both the propa- 
gation of the acari or mange insect, and to the pruduction of 
lice. The seeds of disease are often sown in the S3'stem while bed- 
ding under old houses or shelters, in manure heaps or rotten straw, 
or in dusty places in times of drouth, and la}^ dormant for a time 
until they are developed by rome sudden change of habit or of food, 
into a serious malady — perhaps cholera. 

Hogs should never be allowed to consume the flesh of their own 
kind, or that of animals which have died of disease. 

It is too often the practice of farmers- to drag dead animals into 
their stock range, to be eaten b}' hogs, dogs, and l)uzzards, instead 
of adding their carcases to the compost heap, and thus materially 
increasing its value. V/hile the cause of cholera, so-called, is not 
positively known, it is a well established fact that those in which 
the seeds of disease have been sown by neglect, or improper food, 
are more susceptible, not only to cholera, but to any malady to 
which they are subject. It is confidently believed that sleeping in 
dust, exposure to sudden changes of temperature, [to lilthy sties, 
and foul air, irregularity in feeding, alternations of condition from 
extreme leanness to plethora, especially in young and growing ani- 
mals, are the true sources of this fearful disease. 

To these may be added the propagation of hereditary blemishes. 
It is a well known fact that disease is transmitted to the offspring 
by human parents, in whom there are organic defects. 

This cannot be controlled in the human family, but can be 
avoided in the breeding of domestic animals, by proper care in the 
selection of the parent stock. JVo anbii'd that has been the sub- 
ject of serious disease should be allowed to pro/iar/afe its species. 
Farmers should be particularly guarded in this respect, in refer- 
ence to hogs that have had cholera, since one or more of the vital 



136 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



organs are always more or less affected by this disease, and thowgU 
they may apparenihj recover, it will probably leave some vital or- 
gan permanently diseased or impaired, and these defects will be 
transmitted to their offspring. 

Post mortem examinations have shown that the lungs are inva- 
riabl}', more or less implicated- -generally seriously. The nasal 
mucous membrane is generally affected, and also the larnyx (the 
upper part of the windpipe) shows more or less inflammation. The 
heart is often diseased, probably through sympathy ; the pleura is 
often adhered to either the lungs or ribs, as the result of inflamma- 
tion. The liver and spleen, though not invariably, are often dis- 
eased; the stomach sometimes inflamed, and the bowels sometimes 
generall}', and often locally affected. 

The kidneys and bladder sometimes, though not generally, show 
signs of disease. It will therefore appear, that no important in- 
ternal organ entirely escapes, tliough the respiratory organs and 
passages are the most seriously affected. 

TREATMENT. 

But little reliance can be placed in remedies for cholera, unless 
they are applied in the very incipiency of the disease. Besides, 
hoss that survive attacks of this disease, seldom so entirely ve- 
cover as to make valuable animals. The farmer should, as before 
mentioned, rely principally upon preventive measures. These 
have been suflicientl}' discussed already*, and the reader is earnestl}' 
urged to carefully consider them, ond put them in constant prac- 
tice. 

Swine should be carefully noticed dail}-, and if any evidences of 
ill-health are observed, immediate measures to remove every possi- 
ble, cause of disease adopted. The premonitory symptoms of 
every disease should be familiar to every breeder, and prompt at- 
tention given while remedies are available, for after disease has 
taken firm hold upon the hog, medicines will be of little avail. 



CRAZING AND STOCK RAISLNC IN MISSISSIPPI. 



Under this head I reproduce a. letter from Dr. A. C. Stevenson, 
of Indiana. Dr. Stevenson was the first President of the American 
Association of Sliortliorn Breeders, and a gentleman of large expe- 
rience in the raising and management of stock. He has spent sev- 
eral winters in Mississippi and gives his unbiased opinion of the 
capacity of our State for grazing and stock-raising: 

From t!ic National Life Stock Journal. 

MoCoMB City, Pike Count}-, Mississippi, 

* As I hiive been traveling over the South ^or a month, examining 
soils, crops, modes of cultivation, the various kinds of domestic 
animals, fowls, etc., I have found that probably a chapter on domes- 
tic animals and the adaptation of the countrj'^ to their production, 
would be of some interest to the readers of your wide!}' circulated 
Journal. My observations have been along the line of the New 
Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago Railroad, from the northern line of 
Tennessee to New Orleans, embracing some seven degrees of lati- 
tude, and, conse(iuentl3% quite a ditfcrencc of climate in the ex- 
tremes. 

The cattle from Tennessee to New Orleans, or in the whole of 
cotton belt, having a striking similarity', except in color, being of 
various colors. They arc rather small, light boned, narrow, with 
medium horns, and rather small heads, active, good workers under 
the yoke, and fair milkers, and very hard}-, and know well how to 
take care of themselves in the woods and old fields, where they 
generally secure a living, both winter and summer. The steak that 
I have the pleasure of eating, daily, is from these self-existing 
herds. None other can be had here. If this was not the finest 
country to be found, we should be entirely destitute of this lux- 
ury, for nothing exists in the minds of this people l)ut cotton. 



138 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



SHEEP. 

This valuable animal partakes much of the neglected character 
of his fellow of the bovine race. He is small, leggy, and narrow, 
with wool of medium quality, hardy, finds his own subsistence win- 
ter and summer, and is ready at all seasons to afford his mutton 
chops without cost to bis proprietor, as well as a fieece to boot. 

SWINE. 

The hog here is almost entirely of the native kind, and is 
equally self-sustaining. There has, however, been some effort to 
improve the breed of hogs Some Berkshires and big-boned Chinas 
have been introduced from time to time; but so little attention has 
been paid them that they have done little toward improving the 
common breed. The natives are small, seldom getting above 200 
pounds. Thej^ are generall.y, like all neglected domestic animals, 
ill-shaped, but hardy, thrifty, good breeders, and suited for the 
wandering-woods lives they have to sustain. They, too, are fre- 
quently slaughtered from the mast. 

The natural facilities for raising all the principal domestic ani- 
mals of the country cannot be easily' surpassed. The climate is 
mild and spring-like during the whole winter, from the capital of 
Mississippi to New Orleans, and north of this, to the North Ten- 
nessee line, the winters are quite mild — so much so, that domestic 
animals need but little feed. The country is generally well 
watered with springs, brooks and rivers. Over the great marl for- 
mation about Jackson, in the counties of Hinds and Madison, the 
water is not so good; pools and cisterns being necessary, and 
much in use. But in all the pine belt, which reaches from the 
Gulf to near Jackson, the water is good and plentiful. 

PASTURAGE. 

This is one of the great essentials in raising cattle and sheep. 
And a very erroneous opinion has too generally prevailed that this 
is a grassless country. It is true, that there are few or no pastures 
here. A large cotton field and a small corn and oat field is the be- 
ginning nnd the end of agriculture in the South. Still this is emphati- 
cally a grass country. The country is now covered with grass — 
green, and in good grazing length. Native grasses cover all the 
fields that have been abandoned, in consequence of the abolition 
of slavery. The commons about the towns and villages are green 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 139 

with their grasses, aud some of the varieties arc now in bloom. 
The oak Avoods aud pine forests are quite covered with luxuriant 
grass. There are man}' of the native grasses that make a fast firm 
sod, and arc admirably suited for grazing purposes, the names of 
which I have been unable to asccrtaiu. Some of the grasses are 
better known, and gave me great interest in their examiaation; the 
chief is the Bermuda. In its relations to the South its virtues arc 
what the Blue grass is to the West. It makes a firm sod, not 
easil}' broken, even in wet weather, aud a very close, heav}', blad}' 
sward, much loved by all domestic animals. It is both grazed and 
mown for hay. The Musquite and the Guinea grass arc much es- 
teemed here. Besides these, some of our common grasses do well. 
The Orchard grass docs well, and will make, here, the best of pas- 
ture. I have seen a few fields of Red Clover, and I have just cut 
branches nine inches long. Herds grass, also, is a sure crop. Tim- 
othy, I have seen looking v/ell in special localities. Blue grass is 
growing in the yard from whence I write, but I see it seeks shady 
spots; it might do on north hill sides. White Clovei* seems to grow 
spontaneously; it may be seen on every cleared spot not in culti- 
ation. But for winter grazing there is nothing equal to the oat; it 
is sown for that purpose in October and November, and is grazed 
all winter, aud afterwards makes a good crop. I saw, 3'estcrday, 
150 acres on one farm growing mostly hixuriantl}'. We were 
shovrn a field, pastured quite close, from which the cattle had been 
taken but a few days; still it was starting up, and intcudcd for a 
crop. Another field was shown us, from which the stock hatl been 
removed about four weeks, which was at least ten inches high. 
Still another field, very fine, that had not been grazed at all, that 
would be cut earl}^ in May. Still another field, sown in January, 
now onl}' well started for later pasture. The oat being best suited 
to a northern climate, makes its best growth here in v/inter, and is 
admirably suited for grazing purposes in this season of the year. 
R^'C, I am told, answers well the same purpose. Here, then, in 
both summer and winter, is food for cattle and sheep, with little or 
no demand for fodder. Still, I have no doubt tliat fodder would be 
beneficial to some extent, but could not be largely required. 

SIIORTIIORNS 

Will do well lierc when once acclimated. I have seen a few speci- 
mens, and heard of others; the}' are doing well. Still, I have it on 
good authority, that full-grown animals brought here arc apt to 



140 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

sicken and die soon; and the same is true of other breeds of im- 
prcved cattle. They can be brought here with safety, as follows: 
They should be brought here when calves. And I would suggest 
that cheap native cow be produced, and thoroughbred calves of a 
young age be put to them and suckled, and then shipped here in 
the fall, and sheltered from the rains during the winter, and there 
will be no danger of loss. The slow but very sure revolution that 
is taking place in the minds of planters, and is now visible in the 
agriculture of the country, will, ere long, make a very sure demand 
for, not only Shorthorns, but all the different varieties of improved 
domestic animals. Steers for the butcher can be raised much 
cheaper than in the West. They can be made grass-fat, and 
shipped to market several weeks before grass-fed cattle can go to 
market from the West, and, therefore, get the best spring mark, 
and come in competition with corn-fed cattle. Short horn bulls, 
upon the natives of this country, would produce fine bullocks for 
our eastern [markets. Besides this, a large demand for good beef 
may be found here. A good gra-^s farmer could now make a hun- 
dred per cent, upon his purchases, b}^ buying native steers, and 
putting them on good pastures, and selling them to butchers 
here. For dairy purposes, this country is exceedingly well adapted 
and the native cows make fair milkers; are hardy and shifty, and a 
dairy could be established without risk or danger of loss, and bulls 
of improved breeds introduced, and the daiiy-herd soon elevated 
in qualit}' and profits. Milk is worth from thirty-five to sixt^- 
cents per gallon; and I know a dairyman, of good reputation, with 
a choice lot of cows, who sends his milk seventy-five miles, to New 
Orleans, and gets about seventy-five cents per gallon. Butter can 
be sold here in large quantities for thirty-five to forty cents per 
pound. A large amount, indeed the most of it, sold in all the towns 
and villages, is shipped from Ohio and New York. Cheese can 
surel}' be made cheaper here than in Ohio, or any of the Western 
States. Cows can be grazed the whole year, with, comparatively, 
little food; and if desired to be kept in the highest condition, may 
be fed, as some are doing, on oats, barley, rice and corn meal, 
which are all grown cheaply; and I should have added, the field or 
cow pea, which can be raised in large quantities, by merely sowing 
them in the corn fields after these have received their last plowing. 
Labor for the dairy can be hired exceedingly cheap. Men can be 
hired for $10 to $12 per month; women, from $1 to $2 per week. 1 
know good active boys, since I have been hero, fourteen to fifteen 



KESOURCES, CONDITION AND AVANTS. 141 

years oltl, to work for $2 per month, or about six cents per da}-. 
Thus, it is seen that the inducements for dairying arc of the most 
flattering character. The grazing of steers is none the less so. 
Here is one of the linest railroads, well equipped, running in 
almost a bee-line to Chicago — one of our best cattle markets (the 
New Orleans, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad.) And we do be- 
lieve that the enterprising breeder, wlio will establish a good herd 
of Shorthorns here now, will be well rewaaled for the enterprise in 
the coming changes, that are near at hand, too. that will place this 
countrj'- in a loftier position than it has ever occupied before; when 
her husbandry shall be amply diversified ; her grass lands, and her 
corn and cotton fields, may well stand side by side, adding both 
more beauty to the country and profit to the husbandman. 

SHEEP. 

The native sheep are small and poorly cared for, and conse- 
quently do not pay largely in mutton, and generally give a small 
amount of burr}^ wool. They are healthy, and would pay well, if 
they were improved by crosses with well-improved breeds. Sheep 
may be bred here largely and profitably. They can be grazed here 
most of the year, indeed, the entire year, with the addition of some 
oat fields for winter grazing. 

They may, in this wa}', be kept in high condition, so as to ob- 
tain the largest size and the greatest amount of wool, lied clover 
makes here the finest winter pasture for sheep and cattle. I have 
seen but one flock of sweep that were improved at all, and these 
were about half-blood Southdowns. I saw them the last week in 
January, grazing on a field of red clover, fat and fit for the sham- 
bles. Mr. Dixon, near Jackson, Miss., the owner, told me got five 
dollars a head for his wethers, and his lambs were large enough and 
fine enough for the New York market. Fat lambs ma}^ be pro- 
duced in advance of lambs in any of the "Western or Northern 
States by several months, insuring the ver}' best prices. Wool is 
an article that bears transportation well, and may be shipped East, 
if that were necessary, but there is a home demand for large (pian- 
tities. A short distance from the place, woolen mills are in opera- 
tion, using up more than can be obtained here* It should be re- 
membered that this is a free State now; old things have passed 
awa}', all things have become new; for along side these woolen 



142 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



mills ure large mills for the manufacture of cotton. Land and 
labor are cheap. I can buy good lands at from $3 to $12 an acre. I 
mean by this, good lands, that must in a few years be worth from 
630 to $50 an acre. 



CLOVER AND THE CULTIVATED GRASSES. 



In connection with grazing and cattle, it will not be out of place 
to give the experience of some of the best farmers in our State, 
with clover and the cultivated grasses: 

WILL CLOVER AND THE GRASSES GROW IN MISSISSIPPI? 

This question is asked in nearly ever}- letter we receive from the 
"West and North ; in answer we will give the testimony of the farm- 
ers who have experimented with some of them. 

Mr. G. M. Spencer, of New York, now of McGomb City, says': 
I had on my plantation, in Noxubee county, Miss., a field of 
fourteen acres of as fine a clover as I ever saw at the North. 



W. B. Montgomery, of Starkville, Oktibbeha count}-, writes: 
I have probably two hundred acres in grass, consisting of clover, 
Timothy, red top or herds, Kentucky blue and orchard grass. 
Every day this winter my cattle have had no other feed than graz- 
ing on my M'hoon place, and man}' of them are now in good beef 
order. 

We have been on Mr. Montgomery's plantations and know that 
clover and the grasses grow upon them as well as they do in the 
Valley of Virginia. 

W. L. Noel, of Holmes count}-, Miss., writes: 
The opinions and assertions of many to the contrary, I do not 
liesitate to state that red clover can be as successfully raised here 



HESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 14 o 

as in the Middle States. In 1850, I plowed up teu acres of old hill 
land, and, in Foliniary, seeded it in clover. It remained as a stock 
lot until 18G5. I tlieu planted it iu culLivalion, Lu kill out the 
curse of this countr\', broom-straw, which was beginning to make 
its appearance in the land. It is growing here now, luxuriousl}'; 
on the ditches on the edge of the woods, and there is a fine bunch 
growing in an old worn cart-road, no vegetation near it, except two 
or three bunches of broom-straw, though the weather has been 
very hot, and we have had but one light shower in five weeks. I 
shall sow another lot next spring. 

Col. Thos, S. DabneVjOf Hinds county, gives his experience thus : 
I have sown red clover two or three times, but without using g3'p- 
sum or any other fertilizer or promoter, throwing the seed on land 
that had nevar had an ounce of manure applied to it, and 3"et the 
clover would grew four feet long, (not high, as it laid flat down,) 
and so thick that I could not cut it all. The clover would have 
been esteemed good an\'where. I am from the best of the tide- 
water country of Virginia. 

Dr. D. L. Fhares, Woodville, Wilkinson count}-, says: 

Orcharil grass is our preference among the grasses. Red clover 

and herd grass do well. 

We have visited Dr. Phares' plantation, in Wilkinson count}-, and 

have seen his large barn filled to overflowing withe the best clover 

and other hay. He has sent us specimens of clover over live feet 

in length that cut over three tons to the acre. 

Col. H. O. Dixon, Jackson, Hinds county. Miss., says: 
I have succeeded fully and profitably with red clover, herd and 
orchard grass. 

"We Lave now hanging up in our office specimens of clover, herds 
grass, orchard grass and timothy from Colonel Dixon's farm, six 
miles West of Jackson,, that average fcmr and a half feet in length 
— equal to any growth at tlie North. Colonel Dixon sells a large 
amount of good hay in the city of Jackson every year. 



Maj. T. C. Dockery, near Hernando, DcSoto count}-. Miss., says: 
He grows successfully re:l clover, herds and orchard grass. 
Major Dockery also has a fine vineyard, apple, pear, and peach 



144 RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



orchards. We have visited his hospitable home and know whereof 
we write. 



John Handy, near Canton, Madison county, Miss., says: 
Has grown successfully red clover, orchard and herds grass. 

W. L. Brown, near Coffeeville, Yalobusha county, says: 
Eed clover, herds and orchard grass, do finely in this county. 

Maj. W. M. Strickland, of Holly Springs,Marshall county, Miss., 
says: 

That red clover, orchard and herds grass can be grown with great 
success in Marshall count}', and is verj^ enthusiastic on the sub- 
ject. 

Col. John A. Binford, of Duck Hill, Montgomery count}', Miss., 
writes : 

I had over fifty acres in timothy and herds grass, planted on sec- 
ond bottom land. I only mowed once, but satisfied it can be 
mowed twice a year, which yielded full}^ two tons per acre. Red 
clover grass grows well here. 

C. H. Williams, Meridian, Lauderdale count}', says that red 
clover, orchard and herds grass grow very well in this county. 

S. E. Ragland, of Lafaj^ette county, Miss., writes: 
Orchard grass and herds grass do well here, also red clover. 

We might go on and give extracts from letters, for nearly every 
county in the State, bearing testimony to the fact that red clover, 
orchard grass, and man}' other grasses can be grown successfull}'' 
in Mississippi; but the above will suffice for the present. Many of 
the able writers for this publication, treat more fully on this subject in 
writing about their different localities. Mississippi can be made as 
fine a stock country as any in the world. 



a:n i:^YiTmG field foe immigration. 



Mississippi is an inviting field for immigration. Lands witii 
good improvements can be purchased at less than the original cost 
of the buildings. We know of plantations that cost before the war 
!f 30 to 850 per acre, that can now be had at from $5 to $20. Mississip- 
pi offers great inducements to all in search of homes. Its climate 
is ncild and genial; neither the scorching rays of a torrid sun, nor 
the freezing blasts of northern winds, destroy the labor of the hus- 
bandman. No season is too warm to work in the open air, and 
none so cold that the farmer is kept within doors for weeks at a 
time. 

A better farming country than to be found in Mississippi, does 
not exist. It has vast areas of very fertile land and a great variety 
of crops, fruit and flowers. Cotton is not the oulj* staple of the 
soil, as many suppose; but wheat, oats, corn, sugar-cane, rice and 
the grasses are among its products. Stock of all kinds can be raised 
in abundance, and 20 per cent, cheaper than in the Northern and 
Western States. At least, this is the opinion of Dr. A. C. Steven- 
son, one of the largest stock raisers in Indiana. Considerable 
attention is now being paid to sheep husbandry, and so far, with the 
best results. Indeed, ail kinds of stock do well, and with care and 
attention a farmer can accumulate a fortune by stock raising, more 
rapidly than by any other business. 

Lauds are ver}^ cheap, and for a safe and profitable investment, wo 
know of none better. Transportation is abundant and convenient. 
The western border of the State is washed I)}' the waters of the 
Mississippi river, affording to 'the fertile counties of the bottom? 
ample and cheap transportation. The Yazoo river, with its tribu- 
taries, the Yalobusha and Tallahatchie, run through very rich land. 
giving cheap freight to all living on the navigable portions of thost" 
streams. Pearl river runs through the center of the State to t!ir 
Gulf of Mexico, and at very small cost can be made navigable :m:- 
steamboats, to Edinburg, in Leake county. The Tombigbce vlwv 
10 



146 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



passes through Monroe and Lowndes counties, and is navigable to 
Cotton Gin Port, in Monroe county, in the winter season. To some 
extent, it comes in competition with the Mobile and Ohio railroad, 
reducing the freights from Aberdeen, Columbus, and other points, 
very much. 

RAILROAD TRANSPORTATION. 

The Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans railroad, enters the State 
at Osyka and runs north for about 300 miles, to the Grand Junc- 
tion, in Tennessee, thence to Cairo, 111., connecting with the Illi- 
nois Central railroad. 

The Mobile and Ohio railroad enters the State at the southeast 
corner of Wayne county, running north through the eastern coun- 
ties to Corinth, and thence to Columbus, Kentucky, connecting 
with the Iron Mountain railroad to St. Louis, Mo. 

The Vicksburg and Meridian railroad has its western terminus 
at the city of Vicksburg, on the Mississippi river, and its eastern, 
at Meridian, near the Alabama State line, connecting there with 
the Alabama, and Mobile and Ohio railroad. 

The Memphis and Charleston railroad runs along the northern 
boundary of our State, from Memphis, Tennessee, to the Alabama 
line, affording transportation facilities to all the northern counties 
in the State, 

The Mississippi and Tennessee railroad commences at ^Memphis, 
Tenn., and runs 100 miles southeast, through a fine farming sec- 
tion, to Gi'enada; thence connecting with the Chicago, St. Louis 
and New Orleans railroad. From Middletou, on the Memphis and 
Charleston, the Ship Island, Ripley and Kentucky (narrow guagc) 
railroad starts, and is finished and in good running order, to Ripley, 
in Tippah. It is in contemplation to build this road through the 
center of the State to Mississippi Cit}^, on the Gulf of Mexico. 
Thus bringing into market and developing a large section of our 
State and the finest pine timbered land in the world. 

From Natchez on the Mississippi river, the (narrow guagc) 
Natchez, Jackson and Columbus railroad, has been constructed to 
('Martin City," in Claiborne county, 45 miles, passing through Fa}'- 
ette, in Jefi'erson county. This road will develop a large area of 
fine farming lands. 

From Bayou Sara, on the Mississippi river, in Louisiana, there 
is a railroad of 26 miles, to Woodville, in Wilkinson county. Miss., 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 147 

afTording transportation to some of the best farming and grazing 
lands in the State. 

The Vicksburg and Ship Island raih'oad has been cliartorod. and 
some portion of the line graded, and there is a strong proljability 
of its being finished to Port Gibson, in Claiborne county, this year. 
Port Gibson has now connection with the Mississippi river by a 
railroad, 7 miles long, to Grand Gnlf. These roads will afford 
ample transportation to the fine planting country through which 
they are located. 

There are man}' other lines projected and chartered. One form 
Vicksburg to Memphis, running through the Mississippi bottom 
nearly all the way. This road will open up some of the finest cot- 
ton land in the world. Another, from Grenada, on the Yazoo river, 
in Lefiore county, to Birmingham, Alabama. Another from Gren- 
ada, on the Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans railroad, to Oko- 
lona, on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. 

The Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans railroad, has a branch 
from Durant to Kosciusko, in Attala count}', giving transportation 
to a large ax'ea of good farming lands. 

The Mobile and Ohio railroad has several branch roads. Two 
start from Artesia, in Lowndes county, one running to Columbus, 
the county seat of Lowndes, and the other to Starkvillc, Oktibbeha 
county. These branches afford railroad facilities to some of the 
best counties in the State. At Aberdeen Junction, there is another 
branch to Aberdeen in Monroe county, one of the most nourishing 
and enterprising towns and counties in the State. 

The Mobile and Northwestern railroad begins upon the east bank 
of the Mississippi- river, at a point opposite Helena, in Arkansas, 
and runs in a southeasterly direction through Coahoma county. 
Twelve miles have been completed and by the fall it will be finished 
ns far as Clarksdale, in the southeastern portion of the county, 
affording railroad transportation to some of the finest cotton lands 
in the world. 

The ]Mcmphis, Holly Springs and Selma railroad, running through 
the northern portion of tiie State, has been partially constructed, a 
large part of the grading finished and some iron laid upon the Ala- 
bama end. This load wJien completed will open up some of the 
best farming lands in the State. 



A COTTON FACTORY. 



By the subjoined letter from Gen'l A. M. West of Holly Springs, 
to the editors of the Holly Springs Reporter, it will be seen that an 
opportunity is presented for securing the machinery for a Cotton 
Factory to be located in this State, at a comparativel}' small outla}'. 
Some time ago a large amount \wis subscribed by the citizens of 
Summit for the purpose of establishing a factory at or near that 
point. Cannot that subscription now be completed and made avail- 
able, and the liberal proposition secured for the benefit of this sec- 
tion ? as Gen. West sayS he is allowed a wide discretion in the loca- 
ting. We earnestly call the attention of the enterprising citizens 
of that place and vicinity to the matter. 

Holly Springs, Miss., March 29, 1879. 
Messrs. Editors : 

I am just in receipt of a letter from an extensive manufacturer 
of machinery in the North, who is now traveling in Europe He 
heads his letter Paris, March 9, 1S79. 

He states that he has a "cotton factory that can make about one 
thousand pounds of first-class yarn a day, averaging No. 20," and 
that "remembering a short time before he left for Europe a con- 
versation with me about establishing a cotton mill South, requested 
his Mr. Hughes to send me a list of the machinery." 

He now proposes that if wo will get up a company with sufficient 
capital be will subscribe to it, and pay his subscription in the neces- 
sary machinery at a very reasonable price. He thinks a cotton fac- 
tory will do much better at the South than at the North, and that a 
great deal of money can be made by spinning yarns in the South," 
and states that "other factories in the South, with machinery not 
near as good, have made money." He also states that if we "will 
get up a company with the capital subscribed, he will have the 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND AVANTS. 14J» 

required plans of the buildings made out and sent us." In con- 
clusion he requests me to look into the matter and let ^Ir. Hughes 
know the result. 

The gentleman referred to is distinguished for his wealth, integ- 
rity and enterprise. I am persuaded that we will consult our own 
interest by accepting his olTer, thereby bringing among us manu- 
facturing enterprise and capital, establishing a home market for our 
cotton and other agricultural products, and employment for the 
labor unsuited to other pursuits. 

No particular location for this factory has been determined on, 
and as I have a wide discretion upon this subject, will be governed 
by the advantages offered and the largest subscriptions made in this, 
or any other count}' in the State affording an eligible location. 

Upon this subject we invite correspondence. 

A. M. West. 



WINSTON COUNTY. 



Betheden, Winston Counti, Miss,, Ma 7 25, 
Maj. E. G. Wall, 

Commissioner of Immigration and Agriculture : 

Dear Sir: Circular No. 1, from your office, was received in due 
time, and now, after making necessary inquiries in my community, 
I beg that you accept tais article as my response. 

This locality occupies a place on the back-bone, 59 to speak, 
between the Pearl and Bigby rivers, between the great Father of 
Waters and the Alabama, and borders on the broad fertile, prairies 
of East Mississippi. The soil is of a light sandy nature, resting 
on a foundation of clay, and timbered, on the ridges, with a luxu- 
riant growth of yellow pine, mingled with oak, hickory and black- 
jack, while on the creeks it is gum, oak, etc. The land produces 
freel}^, and is adapted to the growing of cotton, wheat, corn, oats, 
potatoes, sorghum, etc., and all kinds of fruits, grown in this lati- 
tude, do well here. The cultivation of the grape has, within the 
last few years, been introduced, and the growth and fruitage is 
entirely satisfactory; and when the Ship Island railroad shall have 
been built and put in operation, it will bring a market to our door; 
then grape and fruit culture will become an important branch of 
industry and add immensely to our revenue. 

There is not more than 15 or 20 per cent, ot our land in cultiva- 
tion, and we would gladly welcome all industrious classes of white 
PEOPLE who would clear up and cultivate the extra lands; and at 
the same time assist us in our Eeligious, Educational and Social 
enterprises, I saj^ white people, because this is a white man's coun- 
try; the people here are white, and thout h poor, quite proud — 
proud too, of the fact that they are all of the same color. In relig- 
ion, the Lutheran church is prominent, as quite a number of the 
citizens are of German extraction, having emigrated from South 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 151 

Carolina to this country j-ears ago, the}' brought their religion with 
them. Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterians have each of thenii 
churches around us. 

The school chartered by our late Legislature, ai)proved March 1st, 
1878, as "Beth Eden Collegiate Institute," is located here(threo miles 
east of Webster), and is destined, with the support it will get from 
the community and from the Lutheran church over the State, to 
take rank among the prominent institutions of the land. 

In extending our welcome to immigrants, wo would notl)e under- 
stood to mean farmers exclusiveh'. We need machinists and 
machines; we want saw mills to convert the pine timber, v.ith which 
our land is burdened, into lumber, and then farmers and l:uit grow- 
ers to occup}' the land thus cleared, creating, as they come, demands 
for corn and tlouring mills, rice mills, gins, etc.; the "jug man," too, 
by delving into our chalk bluffs, might dig out a fortune for him- 
self and increase our comforts. 

The price of land varies, according to the amount of improve- 
ments, from government price, $1 25, up to eight and ten dollars 
per acre," with terms and tracts, improvements or timber, to suit 
purchasers. 

There might be much more said, but this is perhaps sufficient for 
the present purpose, and if this article should awaken an interest 
in any one looking for a location, I will be glad to answer any ques- 
tions, or refer to responsible parties for more specific information. 
I am respectfully, 

F. C. IIUCKABY. 



SOME FACTS ABOUT LIME. 



Several correspondents ask for information concerning the use of 
lime on land, and all of them contain evidence of several common- 
ly accepted but false theories. First, lime is not plant food; or 
rather it is so common in most soils, and incidentally comprises so 
large a portion of many fertilizers, that its application as plant- 
food is unnecessary. Vie have not seen a soil analysis from which 
this constituent was missing, and there is nearly always considera- 
ble of it present in available form ; all true superphosphates are 
composed of one-fourth part or more of lime, and it is prominent 
in Peruvian and fish guano, in nearly or quite all manufactured fer- 
tilizers, as well as in barn-yard manure. 

Lime, however, has an important eflect aside from its action as 
plant-food. Freshly burned lime (known as "caustic lime" and 
"quick-lime'") has a strong affinity for carbonic acid, so that when 
it and organic matter (which always contains a large proportion of 
carbonic acid) are mixed together, the lime and carbonic acid unite, 
promoting the decomposition of the organic matter. Newly 
"slaked lime" — which is lime united with water — has an eft'cct sim- 
ilar to quick-lime, though slower, and hence is better for farm use. 
Fresh, undecomposed organic substances, especially dung, contain 
the most valuable ingredient of plant-food, nitrogen, in its simple 
form; but it is very soon changed into ammonia, which in turn 
unites at once with the carbonic acid. Then when lime is brought 
in contact with the mass, it at once combines with the carbonic 
acid, and the valuable ammonia escapes and is lost. When, how- 
ever, the lime is applied before tlie ammonia is formed, the nitrogen 
is oxydized to nitric acid, which unites with the lime to produce 
nitrate of lime, and the nitrogen is saved. Therefore, lime may be 
used in stables and house privies, or in composting carcasses of 
dead animals, to advantage; but if mixed with manure a da}' or two 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. ISO 

old, the result is a loss of valuable material. The above also shows 
why, when lime is put into a compost, it has such beneficial action 
in hastening decomposition, and why it is necessar}' to use plenty 
of fresh earth to absorb the escaping ammonia. 

Free acids, and those in easily decomposible substances, are also 
readily taken up by lime, and many injurious compounds, as of 
iron in wet lands, are rendered harmless. In some soils insoluble 
silicates of potash, etc., accumulate; but the action of lime will 
break up these combinations and set the potash free for use as 
plant food. 

The above statements show that the main action of lime in the 
soil is in making available plant-food what was before unavailable. 
Therefore, while it may increase the crop-yield of poor land, it will 
tend to bring about its early exhaustion, unless plant-food is added. 
In heavy claj' soils, the above mentioned chemical reactions of lime, 
destroy their tenacit}- and make them friable and porous. Soils 
containing a large proportion of organic matter arc benefitted by 
its application. Wet lands are less benefitted by lime than the 
same when drained, on account of the water. Light soils are im- 
proved by it when accompanied by a liberal application of muck or 
other organic matter; clays should also have the same treatment. 
As the best effects of lime are not apparent until the second 3'ear, 
it is best to apply it early in the fall; then, if the land is not rich 
enough, manure or other fertilizer put on the following spring will 
help produce a good crop,- other conditions being equal. The 
amount used is from ten to fifty bushels per acre, according to cir- 
cumstances, the condition of the soil, etc — American Agriculturi-t. 



RENOVATING WORN-OUT SOILS. 



BY PICKENS. 



Col. Chalmers: 

Dear Sir: I know not whether you are a father to man}^ chil- 
dren, or if you are blest with one of God's best of creatures; but I 
appeal to you nevertheless. I am old enough to be a great grand- 
sire, and I need not say if I am eighty or how much less, but I do 
say I am willing and desire to live as long as the Master chooseth. 
I wish to be useful, if onl}' I can cause people to think. 

I am anxious, uneasy, and I ask you for help. Charles has the 
old home, where sons and daughters have gone forth to serve their 
country; the land is worn out all around the dear old house, 
endearedby all human recollections. Is it to be deserted, given up 
to strangers, strangers even of my long-loved South-land, in which 
rests all of my blood on this continent ? Is it best to let it alone 
"till nature and the wild beasts have reclaimed it," as a writer in 
the best paper at the far East writes, or ought the present genera- 
tion to undertake "renovating" what their sires have ruined? 

How docs "nature" reclaim? By shade, removing nothing and 
decay. Can we not assist nature, and yet, on a large farm, make a 
living? I advise Charles to turn all not needed on his place into 
sheep; I mean work horses, tools, surplus of cattle; and to be cer- 
tain to get only enough sheep to feed well eveiy day from his field; 
to sow enough rye, in August or September, to have winter feed; 
to put up rough sheds for his sheep to be sheltered in winter and 
summer; to run one or two plows, so as to have food for his family, 
fattening a little more pork than he needs; sow small grain and peas 
to cover the land from the sun and washing rains, winter and sum- 
mer; to devote himself and his boys to husbanding all waste man- 
ures, and place the same under cover, to be used to the best of his 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND "WANTS. 155 

ability in making rich an acre or two ycarl}-, and put it in cotton 
for the purchase of necessaries. I can't advocate giving up cotton; 
that was given us as a blessing, which has proven our curse — in 
worshipping it. 

It is certain!}' possible for an industrious man to find, in a 2000 
to 8000 acre place, as much land as one or two men could cultivate 
profitabl}- in corn or cotton for a full crop, and yet have months to 
prepare and sow acres in peas and small grain. A thick seeding, 
for a dense shade, not for yield of grain, left for decay, would by the 
"shade and decay" improve land much faster than nature does, and 
the portions of land that would take 3'ears of neglect to get started. 
It is conceded that shade alone adds to fertility; it is not the height 
of the shade; thus the sheep could be fed so as to prevent reseed- 
ing, except where needed to suppl}' seed for planting. Another 
thing, I believe all small grain kept down from seeding would not 
require reseeding ycarl}-, being prevented from seeding, they would 
become bi-ennial or tri ennial, if winter grain. We want to improve 
land, 3'et make a support, understand, in our work. I would advise, 
as economy, to draw in the fencing, and bring the sheep in near the 
house every night; when outside of the fence, keep them on the 
homestead, by the use of the Scotch shepherd dog. One man and 
two dogs can keep a large flock on 1000 or 2000 acres. Have a 
home enclosure for the rams, one for every fifty ewes, and at the 
proper time turn each one to his lot, and staj^ long enough to sec 
which are served, and done so as to drop lambs in October or No- 
vember. A little strychnine or a shot gun will kill moles and crows, 
if they trouble sheep; no use to blink this thing, a man can take a 
stick two or three feet long, sharpen each end, stick it in tlie earth 
in the pasture and stick a little bread or meat with a little strych- 
nine on the other end, and if even crows pass by they may get it, 
and not even flying things escape. Of course, dogs will not be 
allowed to prowl around; people take better care of such valuable 
beasts. Sheep, well fed, are good manure scatterers, destroying 
weeds, briars and bushes, but not a word as to fertilizing land, it 
is nonsense; no stock can be fed from land and enrich it. They eat 
off the growth, and grow; yet, eating weeds, briars, etc., convert an 
evil into something available, even in a small way. — Farm Journal. 



A CALHOUN COUNTY CATTLE AND SHEEP PARI. 



In company of Gen. Burke, Mr. Couper and Capt. James Crook, 
we visited on Tuesda}^ the extensive cattle and sheep farm of the 
latter in the beautiful valley of Alexandria. For some time both 
Gen. Burke and Capt. Crook have been buying and raising pure- 
bred Jersey cattle, but it was only last season that Capt. Crook 
took steps to add Merino sheep and Angora goats to his stock, and 
go into the business exteusivel}'. For this purpose, he bought a 
fertile place, splendidly watered, and some nine hundred acres in 
Alexandria Valley, and at once placed on it a part of his Jerseys^ 
a few Angora goats and a flock of one hundred pure-bred Merino 
sheep. He has already erected a shepherd's house, two large sheep 
houses, and is rapidly making other necessary improvements, both 
in fencing and building. The land for the most part is undulating, 
and well adapted to the purpose for which he designs it. Large 
tracts of it are already planted in grasses, the remainder is being 
rapidly prepared for like treatment the coming season. He has a 
German shepherd, who thoroughly understands his business, and 
his stock are thriving. Already this season his ewes have brought 
forth some forty lambs, and a still larger interest is being made 
daily. From this spring's raising of lambs, he will have about 
forty bucks to sell, which, at ten dollars a head, will realize him 
the handsome sum of .$400. Most of these are already spoken for> 
and there will be no diOiculty in selling all of them; and no won- 
der, for the price is far below what the same quality of animals can 
be laid down for here. His Jerseys are perfect beauties. Maud 
Reynolds is the prettiest creature of her kind that we ever saw. 
Perfect in all her points, $200 would not begin to touch her. Capt. 
Crook showed our party her first calf, a pretty little creature of a 
week old. 

"Will you take fifty dollars for this calf ?" Ave asked. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 157 

"I will give as much right now in cash, if he will take it," said 
Gen. Burke. 

"Gentlemen, you might put $25 on lop of that sum," replied 
Capt. Crook, "and that would not get the calf." 

This sum will buy about seventN'-five calves of the same age, of 
the common stock, and when it is known that it takes no more to 
feed a Jorse\' than it does to feed a scrub, the profits of raising fmo 
cattle can be seen at once. Gen. Burke is crossing the Merino on 
our common sheep, and finds the result very satisfactory, as is also 
Mr, Dud Bush, of the Valley; and here is the public benefit Cap- 
tain Crook's enterprise will confer. From his Hock the farmers of 
Cnlhoun can procure pure bloods for crossing on the common 
sheep, and in one season, double the value of their flocks and the 
annual wool crop of the same. We have no doubt of his success. 
This country is the natural home of the Jersey cow and Merino 
sheep, and not many summers will come and go before the sheep 
farm of Capt. Crook will be the mostprofital)le plantation in Alexan- 
dria Valle}'. When this is seen, the whole of that fertile and copi- 
ously watered valley, extensive as it is, will be converted into cattle 
and sheep farms, from whence Alabama and other Southern States 
will draw pure blood. — Jacksonville (Ala.) Republican. 



ABEEDEEJST, MISSISSIPPI, 



AND SURROUNDING COUNTRY. 



The following is from the able peu of Prof. M. E. Bacon, of 
Aberdeen, Miss., and published in the Examiner, of that city: 

THE HEALTH OF THE COUNTRY. 

We wish to present to inquirers au accurate statement of facts in 
relation to this, as well as other points. The idea has generally 
prevailed that the whole State was subject to the malarial diseases 
incident to the Mississippi river and its tributaries. Any one who 
will examine the topography of the country will find nothing here 
to cause the diseases which prevail in that section. With an ele- 
vation far above the level of the Mississippi river bottom, and one 
hundred miles east of these localities, the causes of malaria to such 
an extent does not exist. Settlements in immediate proximity to 
creek bottoms, may be liable more or less to chills in the fall, but 
prairie regions and hills, the locality for health will compare most 
favorably with any fertile country on the continent. 

The following statement is from our most experienced phy- 
sicians : 

"We have had no typhoid fever here within the last sixteen or 
seventeen years; no dysentery except a fev/ sporadic cases in the 
same period; no epidemic pneumonia, and the few cases scarcely 
ever fatal. Very little rheumatism or erysipelas, and no dyptheria 
for the last fourteen j^ears. We had cerebro-spinal menengitis four 
years ago, confined almost exclusively to the colored children as to 
race, and to Aberdeen and immediate vicinity as to the extent of 
locality. Yellow fever has never prevailed within one hundred 
miles of this center, and cholera the same. A few cases of both 
diseases have been imported, but did not reproduce a single other 
case in any instance." 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 159 



WATER. 

The prairio is supplied with drinking water, mostly from cisterns 
dug in the lirac-stone rock below the surface, requiring no cement 
furnshing the best of water. Besides this, pools and bored wells 
furnish an abundance of stock water, while the sandy lands adja- 
cent are intersected with creeks and branches, which afford an abun- 
dant supply of running water. Free-stone water in dug wells from 
15 to 20 feet deep, is also available in all localities in the sandy 
land. 

PRODUCTION. 

The prairie lands are peculiarly adapted to the growth of corn. 
Ever since the war, under the careless cultivation to which these 
lands have been subjected, a yield of only ten to twentj' bushels in 
an ordinar}' season has been realized, but under fair cultivation, as 
before the war, from thirty to lifty bushels per acre, was generally' 
produced on our prairie and cotton lands, and the same cultivation 
will again produce the like results. Oats, wheat, rj^e, Irish and 
sweet potatoes are produced here to advantage. I would say brief- 
1\', that all that an industrious, thrifty farmer has a right to ask> 
can be found here. A healthy, mild climate, a fertile soil, wood 
and water in abundance, with railroad facilities that give him close 
and easy connection with the best markets in the country. "What- 
ever is lacking can only be made up here, as elsewhere, by industry 
and good management. 

The production of cotton varies from a half bale to a bale to the 
acre, whenever it is cultivated as it should be. It should also be 
borne in mind that all these productions are the result of the ordin- 
ary implements of husbandrj'. The improved implements have not 
been generally introduced. The steel plows arc making their way to 
favor and are a perfect success wherever introduced, but they have 
not been sulficiently used to make an}^ impression upon tlic mode 
of cultivation. Hut all these improvements must be introduced 
with caution; care must be taken to combine Southern experience 
with Northern enterprise, aided by improvements. 

PRICE OF LANDS. 

The price of lands vary from 83 to $25 according to qualit}' and 
improvements. The improvements on prairie lands arc generall}' 



160 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



poor; oil the sandy lands they are generally better. But it is not 
at all uncommon to see the best of prairie farms with fine family 
residences, without an occupant, and dotted over with patches of 
crops, negligently cultivated by squads of indolent negroes. 

« EDUCATION AND RELIGION. 

The free school system is engrafted in the Constitution of the 
State, and public schools are in operation in ever count3\ The sys- 
tem here is in its infancy, and is defective in its operation, as it 
must be everj^where until it reaches maturity. The several denom- 
inations of Protestant Christians have their churches established 
all over the State. The Catholic churches are confined mainly to 
cities and towns. 

HOW ARE NORTHERN MEN RECEIVED ? 

Some still ask the amusing quesUon: "How are Northern men 
received and treated here ?" Just the same way that strangers are 
received everywhere. If treated as gentlemen where they came 
from, they vriU find like treatment here. Men of capital or of enter- 
prise, or both, will be gladl}^ received, and will be esteemed accord- 
ing to their true merits. A malicious effort has been made from 
interested motives ever since the war, to divert immigration from 
the South. Northern and Western men, who come as good citizens, 
and have done their part as good citizens, are scattered all over the 
South, and their success in business and their identity with the 
several communities in which they reside, constitute a sufficient ref- 
utation of the slander. 

MANUFACTURES. 

The manufacturing resources of the South are more abundant 
than is known to the Northern States. There is timber enough of 
great variety and superior quality in this immediate section, to 
supph' a large manufacturing interest for an indefinite period. A 
number of citizens are now proposing to organize a company for 
the^^manufacture of wagons, plows and other implements of hus- 
bandry, and they expect to secure, if possible, the co-operation of 
Northern capitalists and artisans. 

In reference to the manufacture of cotton fabrics, the question 
is asked, "Can we successfully compete with Northern manufac- 
turies?" To this a v>'ell informed writer replies: "We can buy cot- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 161 

ton here at two cents a pound less than they can. Our mills use 
the loose cotton purchased from the presses at two cents less per 
pound than the cost of the cotton bought for Northern consump- 
tion. During the war New Jerse}' became famous for its manufac- 
tories. To-day the mill of ]Mr. Nicoderaus is the only one in oper- 
ation there. Now what is the cause of this ? Our Bourbon friends 
will hartlly credit the statement, but they were forced to close their 
doors by llie success of the Georgia 31111, and to-day many of the 
original proprietors of the Northern mills ma}' be found success- 
full}' conducting, or interested in similar establishments in Geor- 
gia. The\' told me last sumnTcr that they could run a mill in the 
South, at twenty per cent, less cost than in New Jcrsc}-. We have 
also an immense advantage in fuel. 

But there are other and more attractive resources within our 
reach. Within fiftj- miles east of this place, lie inexhaustible beds 
of iron ore, and thirty miles farther east are beds of Bituminous 
coal, sufficient to supply the demands of the next century. From 
Aberdeen east, there is a projected railroad in progress of construc- 
tion which capital and enterprise would soon complete, and the 
route of this railroad is directly through the center of this region 
of mineral wealth. 

To bring the subject to a practical shape we would state that 
there are several parties who have authorized us to dispose of their 
lands, and we will communicate with any who wish to purchase 
either at present or with a view to getting possession in the fall. 
We are prepared to otfcr special inducements to families to colonize, 
and occup}- adjacent land. All applications to the subscriber will 
meet with attention. 1 have associated with me parties who will 
aid those seeking homes in the South, and prevent them from being 
imposed upon by persons who would take advantage of strangers. 
We offer our assistance to them, without charge, in aiding them in 
the selection of homes. 

Milton E. Bacon. 

Aberdeen, Mias. 



11 



LOW]^DES COUNTY. 



During '.he past twenty-five years I liave traveled more or less 
through twenty States of the Union, and can truthfully say, that 
for soil and climate this country can be scarcely excelled. I know 
of no country where a given amount of farm labor will 3'ield a 
larger return than this; and am persuaded that if the enterprising 
young men of the North and "West understood the lanvarnished 
facts in the case, multitudes would seek homes amongst us without 
dela3^ 

GENERAL OUTLINE OF LOWNDES COUNTY. 

The two-thirds of this county which lies west of the Tombigbee 
river, is for the most part rich black prairie, gently undulating, 
heavily timbered, and well adapted to the growth of cotton and 
corn. 

Lowndes county, east of the river, has a sandy soil, somewhat 
hilly, and not so well suited to the growth of corn, but makes a 
higher grade of cotton. It is the theory of some, that in the ages 
past this country was in a vast lake or sea, and that these rich 
prairies are alluvial lands. Beneath the soil of the prairies at 
depths varying from one to ten feet, lime rock may be found. It 
is of the greatest depth on the east, near the river, shelving out to 
r face as it approaches the western border of the county. 

Columbus, a city of five or six thousand inhabitants, on a bluft' 
on the east side of the Tombigbee, is the county seat. It is famed 
for its beauty of location, its residences with ample grounds and 
luxuriant shade trees, and the intelligence and refinement of its 
inhabitants. 

The Mobile and Ohio Railroad runs north and south through the 
entire breadth of the county, along the western side, with a branch 
road of thirteen miles leading to Columbus. There are four rail- 
road stations — Crawfordville, Artesia, which is at the junction of 
theColumbus Branch, with the main road, Mayhew and Tibbee. 



BESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 163 

Another branch of the ^lobile and Ohio railroad runs from Ar- 
tesia to Starkville, the county seat of the adjoining county on the 
west, a distance of twelve miles. 

A railroad is also projected, called the Columbus, Fayettville and 
Decatur, designed to open up direct communication with the east, 
and to bring the abundant coal and iron mines of Alabama within 
a few hours ride of our county seat. This road is chartered, and 
but for the extraordinary pressure of the times, it would now be 
in process of construction. 

From Ma}' until late in September, the weather is warm, the 
thermometer ranging from 75 to 90 degrees in the shade. The 
months of October, November and December, are charming indeed 
be3'ond description. The rains set in about the first of January, 
and during the first three months of the j'ear we have most of our 
cold weather, and the heaviest rains. The gorgeous sun sets off 
this latitude, and the peculiarly bright moonlight nights, like those 
of far- famed Italy, attract the attention of the observing stranger. 
Snow seldom falls. Sometimes in February or March we have light 
snow, Avhich either melts as it falls upon the ground, or lingers a 
day or two if the ground is dr3', before its disappearance. The 
coldest weather freezes onl}- the surface of the ground, and not 
more than once in a decade will a pond of any considerable size 
bear up a skater with safet}'. 

jJuring the summer months, in the prairies, we have most delight- 
ful breezes, mitigating the extreme warmth. The winter is some- 
what fickle and fitful. The mercury seldom reaches lower than 30 
degrees. The spring months are full of beauty. The air is fra- 
grant with the superabundance of flowers and abound everywhere, 
with but little culture, and the ear is greeted with the music of the 
mockiug bird, and other sweet songsters peculiar to this climate. 
To one who has never known aught save the bleak, dreary weather 
of the Northern winters, and their brief summer sunshine, this 
climate, both for natural beauty and salubrity, would present ex- 
traordinary attractions. 

The question has often been asked, 

CAN A WHITE MAN LABOU SUCCESSFULLY IN THIS CLIMATE? 

I propounded this question to-day to my friend and neighbor, 
Mr. John E, Stiles, one of our most thrifty farmers, and he turned 
his nut-brown face to me, and answered, '\vcs, sir, without a 
shadow of doubt." ^Ir. Stiles is over fifty years of age, and is a 



164 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



daily laborer in liis own fields. It would be advisable for men 
coming here from the North, to come in the fall season, and for the 
first summer avoid hard labor during the heat of the da}-. A man 
can put in nine hours labor, during the long cummer days, by 
working only in the cool of the morning and evening ; leaving 
him, sa}^ four hours for rest and ease in the shade of his house. A 
great number of instances can be given as evidence that this ques- 
tion can only be answered truthfully in the aflirmative. Where 
larming is the calling, if every one is not a practical illustration of 
this truth, the cause may be found in either his laziness or false 
pride, 

PKICE OF LAND. 

Prices range from ten to twenty-flve dollars per acre. Parties 
coming here with read}'- money can purchase lands almost on their 
own terras. I know of a good plantation, well improved with tene- 
ment houses, that can be bought for seven dollars per acre, and pos- 
sibly for less. The place, however, is in need of ditching. An- 
other place, first-class, that could be bought at eleven or twelve 
dollars. 

A good number of large estates, very prosperous under the old 
regime, are gradual!}'' falling to decay, and the lands, in many cases, 
must be sold to meet growing indebtedness. 

The price of land here is now doubtless at its lowest ebb. Con- 
sidering the facilities for transportation — the fact that it is imme- 
diately on the line of a good road stretching from the Mexican 
Gulf on the south, to the Ohio river on the north, bringing it 
within eas3' reach of the best markets of the country — and consid- 
ering the fertility of the land, it is a matter of surprise that capi- 
talists are not already gleaning this rich harvest field. These lands 
are far below their intrinsic value, and it is, in the very nature of 
things, only a question of time when their market value will be 
quadrupled. 

W. H. Perkins. 

Columbus, Loivndes County, Miss. 



CEYSTAL SPEINGS, COPIAH COUNTY, MISS. 



Crystal Springs is located on the New Orleans, Chicago and St- 
Louis Railroad, about 150 miles north of New Orleans, and 25 
miles south of Jackson, the capital of the State. 

The place takes its name from a beautiful collection of springs 
situated about a mile west of the place, which was selected as the 
most suitable place to establish what is known as the " Hcnnington 
Camp jNIeeting Grounds." The town contains about 1500 inhabi- 
tants. The surrounding country is exceedingly level and produc- 
tive, being a loamy, warm, sandy soil with clay subsoil, and partic- 
ularly adapted to the growth of fruits and vegetables in which 
business the people arc largely engaged, Tiie town is well sup- 
plied with fine schools and churches and the people are generali}' 
intelligent, thrifty and full of enterprise. 

THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT AND VEGETADLE3. 

I 

This has gotten to be a considerable business here. The lands 
from Terry down the road, twenty or thirty miles seems admirabl)' 
adapted to the growth of peaches and vines; apples and pears do 
well but arc not so thrifty as the former. The fig grows with as 
murli luxuriance here as it does in its own native clime. Small 
fruits do well, including strawberries, raspberries and the domesti- 
cated blackberry. The strawberry business, though in its in- 
fancy, has gotten to be a large business. The vegetable business is 
entirely new. This is the first year it has been prosecuted to any 
extent. About forty acres were planted in peas, beans, potatoes 
and tomatoes this year ; although the freights to Chicago were 
high the proceeds arc encouraging. Mr. Piazza realized about 
S150 from an acre of string beans during the present j-ear. 

L. J. Rhymes for several years has realized more than 8100 per 
acre from his peach orchard. iMr. II. J. Hcnnington did even bet- 
ter than this last year. This shows that the business is and has 



166 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 

been profitable. The great secret is to know what assortment of 
peaches to plant for market. 

During the last year a large number of the most improved varie- 
ties have been planted in addition to the older trees which proved 
not to be as good assortment for market purposes as some of the 
later varieties. 

The crop from this point fluctuates from 25,000 to 40,000 boxes 
(one-half bushel to the box,) according to seasons. A total fail- 
ure of the peach crop is a rare thing; have not had an entire fail- 
ure for four or five years. It is more desirable and profitable than 
the cotton crop for several reasons. It brings money into the 
country when there is a general scarcity of it, the crop is soon 
gathered and marketed, while cotton requires incessant labor from 
January to January. 

LANDS AROUND CRYSTAL SPRINGS 

are worth from $10 to $25 per acre, according to quality; lands, 
more distant from tovvn, can be purchased at from three to five dol- 
lars per acre. Although the times have been hard property has 
generally held its own, and we firml}' believe that in less than ten 
years property will be worth three times as much as it is now. 

ALL KINDS OF GRASSES DO WELL, 

and the farmers are paying some attention to fine stock raising. 
Clover grows finely here. I have seen it in the month of May full 
of blossoms and two or three feet in height. Mr. L. J, Rhymes 
has five or six acres growing and it is as fine as any that grows in 
the clover regions of the West. 

The country here presents a fine field for immigration and for the 
judicious investment of money. 

TKRRY. 

This is a very pleasant little village located about ten miles north 
of Crystal Springs, in the county of Hinds. 

The country is very different in some respects to that of Crystal 
Springs. Instead of small farms as we have at Crystal Springs, 
there are tracts of land from 1,500 to 2,000 acres. This would be 
splendid for the location of colonies of immigrants. The lands 
are generally productive and well adapted to the cultivation of 
fruits and to growing stock. It is as large or even a larger peach 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 167 



growing coiintiT than that of Ciystal Springs. Terry and the ad- 
jacent country is settled up by a fine class of people, and they have 
also fine church and school advantages, Wc have such old settlers 
there as Hon. A. G. Brown, who has a national reputation, Hal- 
berts, Tribbette, Brace}-, Thompson, jNIcRacs, all men of property 
and inlluencc. They should seek immigration, divide up their 
large tracts of land Into small areas, and a new impetus \YOuld be 
given to the growth and development of their resouicrs. A few 
miles above" Terr}', at Byram, there is an inexhaustible marl bed 
which will prove valuable as a fertilizer along the line of railroad. 

UAZLEnURST. 

Hazlehurst is located about ten miles below Crystal Springs, on 
the same railroad and in the same county. As you go from Crj-s- 
tal Springs towards Hazlehurst, you strike the piney woods which 
gradually becomes more undulating. The soil around Hazlehurst 
is even more sandy than that at Crystal Springs although more 
broken. Hazlehurst is a very nice village of about the same pop- 
ulation as Crystal Springs, and the county site. It is not as large 
a shipping point for fruits and vegetables as Crystal Springs and 
Terry, still the people ship a considerable amount of fruit and veg- 
etables. The}' also have fine schools and churches, and the coun- 
try is settled by an industrious and hard working class of citizens. 
Several Northwestern families have settled in and around Hazle- 
hurst , but don't how they have succeeded. Northern immigrants 
must not come here expecting too much. Till they become accus- 
tomed to our mode of cultivating the soil and find out what crops 
are most remuncraiivo, they will meet with many discouragements 
which will finally be overcome. 

The three points, Terry, Hazlehurst and Crystal Springs, form 
what is called the fruit belt along the line of this road. The soil 
and climate arc naturally adapted to the growth of both fruit and 
vegetables, and you can already see a new prosperity infused 
into the people by thus diversifying their industries. Wc have 
a great country here. Western lands no doubt are richer but wc 
have climatic advantages which the West can never possess. 
Thousands of acres of land arc lying idle and ready for the capital 
and energies of both the North and West. We all invite you to 
leave your crowded cities and workshops and come to a land which 
is destined to be a land ef plenty and prosperity. 
Respectfully, 

Crystal Sprinrjs, Jliss. S. H. Stackiiouse. 



]^OXUBEE COUl^^TY, MSSISSIPPI. 

ITS LOCATION, SOIL, POPULATION, PRODUCTS, CLIMATE, ETC. 



Noxubee county is situated on the eastern border of Mississippi, 
midway between the Northern and Southern lines of the State, in 
latitute 33 deg, 10 miu. and longitude 11 deg. 50 min. Near its 
eastern border, in Alabama, runs the Tombigbee river, an excellent 
stream for navigation during seven or eight months of the year, 
and through its center the Mobile and Ohio railroad passes, extend- 
ing from Columbus, on the Mississippi river, to Mol)ile, Alabama. 
Macon, the county site, is a nourishing town of about 2,000 inhab- 
itants. It has six churches, a large female institute, two male 
schools and several freedmen's schools. Nearly all branches of 
business are represented among its inhabitants, and the mechanic 
arts suitable to the country are successfully prosecuted. The pop- 
ulation is about equally divided between whites and blacks, both 
living harmoniously together, and arc kind, sociable and hospita- 
ble. The machine shops of the Mississippi Department of the M. 
& 0. R. R., are located at this place. 

The population of the county in round numbers is about twen- 
ty-five thousand, six thousand whiter and nineteen thousand 
negroes. Outside of the towns (of which there are several in the 
county,) all classes of people are employed in agricultural pursuits. 
As a rule the white people own the lands and the negroes are the 
laborers, although there arc many exceptions to this, as a great 
many white people in the northern portion of the county hire no 
negroes, and perform ail necessary labor themselves, and in a few 
instances negroes own small bodies of land. 

■ This is regarded as one of the richest upland counties in the 
State. Ihe larger part of it is in tlie prairie belt of the Tombig- 
bee valley, a region of country extending from Lee county, in Mis- 
sissippi, to Marengo count}', in Alabama, or from latitude 34 and 
longitude 12, to latitude 32 and longitude 11, being about one hun- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND "WANTS. 169 

drcd and twenty or tliirty miles long and I'roni twenty to sixty miles 
wide. The prairie portion constitutes the eastern two-thirds of.the 
count}', and is a rich, black, or reddish black adhesive soil, but 
varying greath' as to color, consistency and fertilit}'. The depth 
of the soil varies from one to thirty feet, but will average about 
seven or eight feet, and is underlaid by white and blue rotten lime- 
stone. This land is easily cultivated, and yields abundantly to the 
labor of the iiusbandmeu. The staple crops are cotton, corn, oats, 
wheat, r\-e, barley, sweet and Irish potatoes, all kinds of garden 
vegetables, and fruits of every variel}' adapted to this climate. Pre- 
vious to the war the average yield of cotton per acre, without fer- 
tilization, was about twelve hundred pounds; now — although this is 
but little evidence of exhaustion in the lands — it is only six hun- 
dred, owing to our imperfect 33 stem of culture; the average of corn 
was thirty bushels, now it is about twelve; oats will yield from ten 
to thirty or forty bushels; wheat varies greatly owing to seasons, 
but a favorable year will turn out twenty or twenty-five bushels, 
frequently more. In fact, for small grain, fruits and vegetables, 
our count}' is fully equal to the prairies of Illinois, Iowa and other 
Western States, and have the advantage of their maturing at least 
a month earlier. 

Stock of all kinds are successfully raised here, and need not be 
fed in w'inter longer than three months. Various grasses for hay 
and grazing have been abundantU' produced by those farmers who 
make stock raising a specialty; but these arc very few. Rod clover, 
herd's and orchard grass, and by a few, timothy, bermuda grass 
and various excellent native grasses arc all adapted to our soil and 
climate. Bermuda grass — an importation from the West India 
Islands — is a rather siiort, irregularly pointed, nutritious grass, of 
remarkable vitality, sods well, and is looked upon by good stock 
raisers as one of the best grazing pro'Iucts. It will continue green 
nearly all winter. 

Tile western third of our countr}- is generally timbered lands, 
rather rolling, with a light sandy soil on the ridges, and a black, 
loose, sandy loam in the bottoms. It isvvell Avatercdby springs and 
running creeks and branches. This portion is better adapted to 
fruits and vegetables than the prairies, although not so productive 
of the staples of the count}-, unless Icrtilized, for which they arc 
peculiarly adapted, owing to their loose, mellow natures, ami stiff 
clay subsoil. 

Our climate is one of the most pleasant in America; summcr.s 



170 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



are long, but not so intense and debilitating as further nortli; win- 
ters are sliort and mild — only about three rronths in length — with 
but little if any snow. The first frost is generally about the 10th 
or 20th of November, and the last from the 1st to the middle of 
March ; though we have frequent exceptions to these rules. 

Taking Noxubee county, as a whole, it is a most desirable local- 
ity for industrious, skillful farmers to make their homes. It con- 
tains in round numbers, six hundred thousand acres of land, about 
one-third of which is in cultivation. Timber in the prairie portion 
is convenient as a rule, and ample in quantity; the farthest that 
any farmer has to haul his wood is two miles, but it is generally 
close to his premises. Water in this part of the county is ob- 
tained b}' digging cisterns in the rotten limestone, which hold well 
and furnish most excellent, cool water; in fact no county can have 
better cisterns than ours. We also bore wells from two to five 
hundred feet deep, and bring the water conveniently near the sur- 
face; or frequently have it to run out in a perpetual stream. Good 
pools and ponds are dug out of the soft rock to furnish stock 
water, where there is not an artesian well. 

The health of our count}^ is good. Like all of the Northwest- 
ern and Southern States, we are subject to malarial disease (as 
chills and fever, bilious fever, etc., where the season and locality is 
favorable to them. Some years the}^ are more extensive than oth- 
ers, and frequently we have none, owing to the character of the 
season. If ordinary care and judgment is exercised in selecting 
a home, no fears need be entertained of sickness. Cholera and 
yellow fever have never visited us, and never will, as the conditions 
for their spread do not exist in our county. We are remarkably 
free from epidemics of every kind. 

Good lands and desirable homes can be had in abundance at rea- 
sonable prices; ranging from five to twenty dollars per acre for im- 
proved places, part cash and the balance on reasonable time. Land 
can be had in any quantity, from one to five thousand acres in a 
tract; the people being determined to divide their large plantations 
to suit purchasers. 

It is the universal wish of the people of Noxubee county, and of 
the South at large, that those of the North and West who contem- 
plate changing their homes, would come and examine our county, 
look at the products of our soil, experience our genial climate, ac- 
cept our hospitality, and if possible, make their homes among us. 
We will give them a cordial greeting, an earnest welcome and ex- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 171 

tend to them those civilities, social courtesies and friendships 
which merit and respectability demand. Wc have plenty of the 
richest land, plenty of good labor; but wc want the example and 
material aid of j-our skillful farming, your lessons of economy, 
your industry-; in fact we want your assistance in developing the 
boundless resources of this great Southern country. 

S. V. D. Hill. 
Macon, Jlississippi. 



THE GRASSES THAT GROW WELL IN MISSISSIPPL 



In connection with a changed system of husbandly, including 
grazing and stock-raising, it will be well to say something about the 
grasses that have been experimented with and are known to grow 
well in Mississippi. 

ORCHARD GRASS [Dcictijlis Glomercita.) 

This grass is a perennial and grows upon congenial soils anywhere 
between 33 and 47 degrees north latitude. It likes a soil moder- 
ately dry, porous, fertile and inclined to be sandy. In its early and 
rapid growth lies one of its chief merits, furnishing a rich bite for 
cattle earlier than almost an}^ other grass. It also grows later in 
the fall. It is very hardy, when well set makes a great yield. It 
starts out early in the spring and comes into blossom about the 
same time as red clover. After being cut, it springs up rapidly, 
after making a growth of four or five inches in a week. 

The chief objection to orchard grass is that it grows too much in 
stools or tussocks. This can be remedied by sowing a larger quan- 
tity of seed per acre — about two bushels of seed per acre. The 
seed weigh 14 lbs to the bushel. Orchard grass grows well in the 
shade, and hence its name. It withstands hot, dry weather better 
than most any other valuable grass. 

Preparation of the laud for orchard grass: Plow the land deep, 
pulverize the soil well, sow plent}^ of seed, let the seed be good, sow 
it evenly, and you will get a good stand of orchard grass that will 
last for j'cars. 

We may sum up the merits of this grass: 

1. It is better suited to every variety of soil than any other. 

2. It will grow with greater rapidity than any other grass, per- 
haps, with the exception of the Johnson grass, and for this reason 
\\ill sustain a larger number of animals per acre. It is excellent 
for soiling purposes. 

3. It will grow in the shade. This quality will enable the far- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 173 



mers to utilize their woodlands as pasture, and so make tlicni a 
source of profit. 

4. It will resist drouth better than most other grasses. 

5. It is both a pasture and a hay grass. After a crop of hay has 
been taken oti in June, the aftermath (second growth) will furnish 
a good pasture throughout the remainder of the summer. A prom- 
inent sheep raiser in Tennessee, who has a flock of one thousand 
sheep, says: during the summer it will carry double as man}' sheep 
as Blue grass, acre for acre; but that Blue grass will furnish more 
and better winter grazing. 

G. Orchard grass may be sown in the spring or fall with small 
grain or alone. It is best not to be sown with grain, and many pre- 
fer to sow it in the fall, from the 15th of September to the luth of 
October, and it ought not to be pastured the first year. 

KKD TOP — HKKDS GRASS, (Af/rOStis Vul[/(li'h\) 

This grass was introduced from P^ugland, where it was known as 
the Bent grass. It loves a moist soil and on swampy places that 
will grow scarcely anything else. Herds grass will thrive wonder- 
fully. It is one of the most permanent grasses wc have and is 
greedily eaten, by all kinds of stock. 

Herds grass should be sown the last of September or first of 
October — any time after the equinoctial rains to the 15th of Octo- 
ber. When sown in the spring it is usually overrun with weeds. 
As a meadow or grazing grass it is very valuable. For meadow, 
prepare the ground well with plow and harrow and sow one bushel 
of clean seed per acre, one-half one way and then sow the other 
half across the first, so as to give an even stand. Use a roller to 
mash the clods and cover the seed. 

If sown by the first of October, alone, a crop of hay may be cut 
the next summer. The time to cut for hay is just before the seeds 
ripen, but if the seeds arc desired let them ripen, but it will still 
make good hay. Orchard grass grows well in some soils with 
Herds grass. 

MEANS, JonNSON, OR EGYPTIAN GRASS (Sor(jhiriii Halpcnsc.) 

A few years before the late war, Capt. Means of South Carolina, 
who commanded a trading vessel to the IMediterranean Sea, brought 
from Egypt a lot of seeds, from which he got a spoonful of seeds 
of an unknown kind. He handed them to a friend with the request 



174 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



that they be sown in his garden. They came up and proved to be 
the grass named above; but little attention was paid to it until it 
nearly took his garden. He had the plants dug up by the roots and 
thrown into a neighboring gully, where they soon began to grow, 
stopping the wash and spreading all around. It was now seen for 
the first time that it was greedily eaten by stock. This was sug- 
gestive in a country where all the hay had to be imported, and so 
the seeds were gathered and sown. Thus the Means grass derived 
its name. ^ 

In 1860 Capt. Johnson of Marion Station, Alabama, paid a visit 
to some relatives in South Carlona and heard of this grass, that 
had in the meantime acquired a great reputation, and on his return, 
carried home with him a bushel of seeds and sowe'd them on his 
plantation. Soon after this he went into the Confederate service 
and was killed, leaving two little girls. These girls were sent to 
school at Tuscaloosa, but having no guardian and no means, the 
President of the college had a gentleman appointed guardian who 
went to Marion Station to see if his wards had anj'thing. In the 
meantime the plantation was left alone, no one caring for it, and it 
was unrented. He found it a large place and almost covered with 
the '^Ileans grass,''' the winds and stock having set it everywhere. 
Being a shrewd man, he saw its capability and at once advertised it 
as a stock farm, and soon rented it to Messrs. R. C. Gardner and J' 
C. Copeland, of Nashville, Tennessee. They saw their opportuni" 
ty and at once, and securing a number of baling presses, set to work 
cutting and baling hay for the Southern market. 

The hay proved popular and sold wherever tried, stock delighted 
in it, leaving all other kinds to eat it. Applications naturally 
poured in for some of the grass, and so they sold immense quanti- 
ties of the seed, and also of the roots, getting large prices for both. 
So great was its popularity that at the end of their five years lease 
a company of Northern men out-bid them, and have resorted to 
steam to assist in baling hay for market. 

Egyptian sugar-cane, (is its proper name) is a native of the Nile, 
where it grows fifteen to twenty feet high. So great is its luxu- 
riance there, that it has filled all the upper Nile so that a boat can- 
not be driven through it. Great numbers of cattle and wild ani- 
mals resort to it, and, in fact, it is the chief food of ruminants in 
that country. 

When young it is very tender and sweet, the sap being full of 
sugary iuice. It is a perennial plant and so vigorous that when 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 175 



once planted, it is a difficult matter to eradicate it, so care must be 
taken to plant it where it can be kept in bounds. The roots are 
creeping and throw out shoots iVoni every joint. It is a line lorLili- 
zer, and sown on a piece of poor washed land, will in a few years, 
restore it to fertility. But there is really not much difference 
where it is sown, for a farmer once getting a good stand will not 
want to destroy it. It will bear cutting three or four times a year, 
and in fact, this has to be done, for when it matures seed, the stem 
and leaves are too coarse and woody for use. 

The ground must be prepared as for other grasses, and in Sep- 
tember, the earlier, the better; it should be sown at the rate of one 
bushel of seed per acre. It can be propagated also by the roots, by 
laying off the rows each wa}' and dropping a joint of the root two 
feet apart and covering with a harrow. 

It gives the earliest pastures we have, preceding IJlue grass, or 
clover a month. Hogs are fond of the r6ot6 and an}- amount of 
rooting will not injure it. In fact it is a stick tight. 

For soiling purposes it is not equalled by any grass in our know- 
ledge, as it can be cut every two or three three weeks. 

There is a vast amount of land in Mississippi now llevoted to 
gullies, that do not now pa}^ their taxes, which would richly remu- 
nerate the owner, if set in this grass. It is not necessary that the 
land should be broken up to start it; a iQW sprigs set out here and 
there in the richest spots, will soon secure a stand. 

Many farmers object to it on account of its great tenacity of life, 
matting the soil in ever}' direction with its cane-like roots, and the 
rapidity with whichit will spread over a field and the difficulty of 
eradicating it; but these very objections should be its recommenda- 
tion to the owners of worn-out fields. To destroy it and keep it 
down, it is only necessary to pasture it closeh' one year, and then in 
the fall turn the roots up with a big plow to the freezes of winter, 
renewing the plowing once or twice during the winter and then cul- 
tivating the land in a hoed crop the next spring. There certainly 
would be no risk in sowing it upon those worn-out lull sides, so 
many of which form unsightliy scars upon the face of nature in 
Mississippi. 

HERMUDA GRASS, {Cl/HOdon dactljloH.) 

Bermuda grass is a native of the West India Islands, and is the 
principal grass in tliat torrid country. There is a sacred grass in 
Hindostan, India, called the Daub, and it is venerated by the peo- 



176 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



pie on account of its wonderful usefulness. Thi& is said to be pre- 
cisely the same as the Bermuda grass. 

It is a most valuable grass, and is destined to be the salvation of 
the hill land in Mississippi. With us it has ko seed, but can be 
easily propagated by dropping the cuttings in a farrow two or three 
feet apart. It docs not endure shade and can be destroyed by sow- 
ing the land in oats followed by peas. It will throw out runners 
down the sides of the deepest gully and stop its washing. Hogs 
thrive upon it, and its succulent roots, and -horses and cattle upon 
its foliage. 

Mr. Afflick. of Tennessee, says of Bermuda grass: 

" We are fully aware of all the objections made to the spreading 
of tills grass, and have a practical knowledge of all the trouble it 
occasions, and also have several years experience of its great and 
incalculahle value, we have no hesitation in stating that the latter is 
many fold greater than the former. The time is not far distant 
when all the rough feed consumed on plantations will be made from 
this grass.; and the planter will consider his hay crop as of much 
more importance than his sugar or cotton crop. The excellence of 
this grass for pasturage is evinced by two circumstances; it is pre- 
ferred by stock of every description to all other grasses, and grows 
luxuriantly in every kind of soil. One hundred pounds of grass 
afford iqnvard of fifty of hay, and we do cut, as a regular crop, five 
tons of hay, per acre, each season. No grass will yield such an 
amount of valuable hay, surpass it in nutritive qualities, support 
on an acre of pasture such an amount of stock, will improve the 
soil more quickl}^ or more effectually stop and fiil up a wash or 
gully. To the careful, judicious farmer, who wishes to improve his 
land and stock, wo earnestly recommend this grass. To the lazy, 
careless farmer, we say touch it not. 

" Bermuda grass well set, will aff^ord the finest and most nutritious 
pasturage we have ever seen, will keep almost any number of sheep 
per acre — three or four times as many as blue grass." 

The above is the experience of one of the largest stock raisers 
and practical farmers in Tennessee, with the Bermuda grass, yet 
many of our farmers in Mississippi consider it a curse. 

KENTUCKY BLUE GRASS (POA PRATENSIS.) 

This grass is valuable, both for summer and winter pasturage, 
and no farmer having land suitable to its growth should be with- 
out it. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 177 



BLUE GRASS SOIL. 

Soils contaiuing lime, or a limestone country, is best adapted to 
its successtul growth. Lime is a natural stimulant to it, and it 
nourishes best when natural supplies of this salt are found in the 
soil. Hence the great success of the farmers in the prairie region 
of East Mississippi in the cultivation of Blue grass. Lime, though 
a great stimulant to its growth, is not an essential ingredient in 
the soil. It grows on the sandy hills of Alabama, Mississippi 
and Georgia, but not as rank as on limestone soils. 

Tunc FOR S0\VIXG BLUE GRASS. 

The most approved time for sowing Blue grass seeds is in the 
month of September up to the 15th of October. If sown during 
this time the fall rains will germinate the seeds and the grass will 
liave a good growth before the freezes of winter. The ground 
should be well prepared and the seed sown broadcast at the rate of 
one bushel per acre, one-half bushel one wa}-, and the half across 
the land, so as to secure an even stand. 

AFTER TREATMENT. 

Of one fact, there cannot be a doubt, and in this lies the secret 
of success with Blue grass pasture — do not pasture it to death. Let 
no stock run on it the first year, or at least until it is well estab- 
lished and completely covers the land. Allow the grass to recu- 
perate, b}"^ changing the stock from one pasture to another, and 
never over-stock it. 

There is much difference of opinion as to the amount of stock 
that ought to be put on an acre. This arises from the difference in 
the fertility of the land. Ordinarily, two acres of good grass are 
requisite for one three year old ox, and what will fatten one ox, 
will sustain in good order ten head of sheep. 

The fall growth of some lots of Blue grass, shouUl bo kept un- 
touched by stock, and in this way a fine winter pasturage can be 
secured. This is one of the great advantages of it in our climate. 
Good fat lambs can be sent into market earlier than from any 
other grass. It makes milk rich in butter, and gives the l)utter a 
fine golden color, even in winter. 

RED CLOVER (Tn'foUuni pratense.) 

There is no plant that is more useful to the farmer or stock- 
It 



178 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



grower, than Red clovei". It furnishes an immense amount of 
grazing, yields an abundance of nutritious hay and beyond doubt 
it acts as an ameliorator of the soil, increasing more than an}^ 
other forage plant the amount of available nitrogen, and so becomes 
an important agent in keeping up the productive capacity of the 
land. 

SOILS ADAPTED TO ITS GROWTH. 

- Red clover is a biennial plant, l)ut under judicious management 
ma}' be made perennial. Col. II. O. Dixon, on his place, six miles 
west of Jackson, Hinds county, Miss., has a lot of clover that he 
sowed nine years ago, which he has cut and grazed for eight suc- 
cessive years. A lime soil is best adapted to clover; but it will 
grow on almost any soil where a stand can be secured, by the free 
application of laud-plaster, i. e. sulphate of lime, which seems to be 
a special fertilizer for this plant. Dr. D. L. Phares, of Wilkinson 
county, Miss., has been for years very successful in the cultivation 
of Red clover, often cutting four tons of good hay per acre. He 
sent me specimens of the plant averaging over 5 feet in length. 
That Red clover can be grown in nearly everj^ count}'' in Missis- 
sippi, "we have not the shadow of a doubt. 

TIME TO sow CLOVER. 

A better stand of clover with less seed, may alwaj^s be secured by 
sowing the land prepared, in the fall from the 1st of September to 
the 15th of October. We prefer to sow the seeds alone; some 
farmers sow them with red oats, or wheat, but the clover is liable to 
be killed out by the hot sun when oats or wheat are cut. Ten or 
twelve pounds of seed are enough to sow one acre. If sown with 
orchard grass one bushel of orchard grass seed and six pounds of 
clover seed per acre, will be the right quantity. Clover and orch- 
ard grass do well together as they bloom at the same time and are 
ready to cut for hay at the same time. Red clover should never be 
pastured until the second year. 

Red clover has no superior as a grazing plant. When in full 
vigor and bloom, it wall carry more cattle and sheep per acre tlian 
blue grass, herds grass or orchard grass. 

Though very nutritious and highly relished by cattle, it often 
produces a dangerous swelling called hoven, from which many cows 
die. When first turned upon clover, cattle should only be allowed 
to graze for an hour or two, and then be driven oil for tlie re- 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 179 

inainder of the day, gradually increasing the time of grazing, until 
they heconio los:^ voracious in their api)ctites. With this precau- 
tion, there will be no danger of hoven. 

Stock should never be turned upon clover until it blooms. The 
practice of many farmers, to tun\ all the stock upon it, early in the 
spring, is very destructive and wasteful. 

SAVING CLOVLli IIAY. 

The best period for cutting clover for hay is a question about 
which there lias been much discussion. All will agree that it 
should be cut at the time when the nutritive elements, which give 
strength and produce Uesh, are at their maximum. Tliose wiio are 
in the habit of feeding stock, find that clover cut about the time of 
full bloom, when a few of the seeds begin to dry up, will, pound 
for pound, produce more fat and muscle than cut at any other time. 

The only art in curing ha}' is to retain as man}' of the life-giving 
constituents in it as possible, or to preserve it as near as practica- 
ble in the same condition as when cut, v>'ith the water onl}' dried 
out. 

The plan generally adopted is to mow the clover in the morning 
and let it lie in the sun several hours until well wilted. It is thea 
thrown into small cocks, say four feet in diameter and four feet 
high. In this, unless there is appearance of rain, it is allowed to 
remain for a dav or two, when it may l)e hauled to the barn, or 
sheds, and stored away without danger ol" damage. Care should be 
taken not to let the dew fall upon it us it lies scattered by the 
mower. The dew of a single night will blacken the leaves and de- 
stroy the aroma for which good clover lia_y is sd much prized by 
farmers. 

JAPAN CLOVEii [Lespedesa Striata.) 

This plant seems especiall}^ adapted to the Southern States. It 
is said to be a fine plant for grazing, and sheep feed upon itgreed- 
il}'. On soils unfit for anything else, it furnishes good pasture 
and it supplies a heavy green crop for turning under and improv- 
ing the land. It should be sown in January or February, and 
about one bushel of seed to ten acres is required io secure a good 
stand tiie first year. It is said to be an excellent renovator of old 
fields and restores fertility in an incredibly shoit time. 

Dr. Pendleton of Georgia, speaking of it, says: 



180 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



1. It grows on poor land with more luxuriance than any other 
grass or weed I have ever seen. 

2. It has great powers of endurance, so far as the roots are con- 
cerned. During a wet season it luxuriates wherever propagated on 
poor hill-sides as well as meadow lands. 

3. It is good pasturage for stock and especially for sheep.- I do 
not believe our stock like it as well as our native grasses, and I 
doubt wliether it is as nutritious as the Bermuda. As stock love 
variety, however, it may subserve a good purpose for pastures. 

4. It furnishes a large supply of vegetable matter to the soil, and 
I believe will prove to be the best humus making plant we have at 
the South. 

5. Another rare quality of this plant is indicated in the name I 
have given it— King grass — in the fact that it absolutely roots out and 
destroys every living plant in its wide-spread path. Not even Ber- 
muda grass, which has so long held undisputed sway, can resist its 
encroachments, I have a bottom long since given up to Bermuda;, 
recently I passed through it and found that the Lespedesa had taken 
possession. I have no doubt it would kill out any pest like the 
Coco grass, I intend to give it a fair trial on one or two patches 
of Coco. Mr. Samuel McKamsc}', of Warren county, Georgia, 
says: this clover made its appearance in this locality in 1870. It is 
fast covering the whole country. It supplies mucli grazing Irom 
the 1st of July until frost. It is short but very hard3\ Sheep are 
verj^ fond of it, and cattle will eat it. It is killing out the broom- 
sedge wherever it appears. 

ALFALFA, OR LUCERNE (MecUcago sativa.) 
This is, beyond doubt, the oldest cultivated forage plant known 
having been introduced into Greece from Media 500 3'ears B. C. ; 
and the Romans, undingoutits good qualities, cultivated it exten- 
sively; by tliem it was carried into France when Ci-esar conquered 
Gaul. It is emphatically a cliild of the sun and revels in a heat 
that would destroy any other species of clo\er; but cold and moist- 
ure arc hurtful to it. On the rich, sandy lands of the South it is 
invaluable and will grow luxuriantl3-, making enormous yields of 
hay. Its nutritive constituents are almost identical with Red 
Clover, but it has one property not possessed by the latter, and that 
is, it is perennial. 

now TO SECURE A GOOD STAND. 

To secure a good stand, the ground must be well prepared, well 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 181 

pulvciized and uicllow. A want of attention to this thorough pre- 
paration lias caused many to fail; but in well prepared, rich, sandy 
loam, it succeeds remarkably-, sending down its long tap roots many 
feet into the subsoil, drawing up moisture from below, and thus will 
thrive when other plants arc drooping from drouth. In this respect 
it is far superior to clover, for the latter, a suitable surface soil is of 
equal importance with the subsoil, but for Lucerne a suitable sub- 
soil is absolutely necessary, as the roots are not fibrous, only root- 
lets shooting off from the main taproot. This tap root grows as 
large as a carrot. The enormous quantity of roots penetrating the 
ground to the depth of several feet, prepares the land for increased 
production. It derives the larger part of its susteuauce from the 
atmosphere and stores it up in its roots. 

so THAT, AS A FERTILIZER, IT STANDS lilGII. 

The soil is not only fertilized to the amount of several tons of 
roots, but it is mellowed from the mechanical displacement of the 
soil and the admixture of decayed vegetable matter. 

The seeds of Lucerne are yellow, when good; if brown tliey have 
received too much heat, and if light it indicates they were saved 
too green. The time of sowing is the same with the other species 
of clover, in the spring time. It should be sown in drills and cul- 
tivated the lirst year, so as to keep down the weeds. It is casil}' 
smothered out b}' weeds, when it first comes up. 

It derives the name Alfalfa from the Chilians. It grows spon- 
taneously all over Chili, among the Andes, as well as on the pampas 
of that country, Buenos Ay res and Brazil in South Amsrica. 

MANAGEMENT OF LUCERNE. 

When properly managed, the number of cattle which can be kept 
in good condition on an acre of Lucerne, during the whole season, 
exceeds belief. It is no sooner mown than it i)ushes out fresh 
shoots, and wonderful as the growth of clover soinciinies is, that of 
Lucerne is much more rapid. In the dryost and most sultry 
weather, when every blade of grass droops I'or want of moisture. 
Lucerne holds out its stem frcsii and green as in the genial spring. 
The first year it is apt to be troubled by the presence of weeds as 
it is slow in making a start; let the weeds be exterminated for that 
time, afterwards no fears need be entertained on that subject as it 
will take full possession of the ground. 



182 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



THE cow OR FIELD PEA. 



The cow or field pea of the Southern States is more like a bean 
than'a pea and is supposed a species of dolichos belonging to the 
pulse family. Be this as it ma}^ its value as a farm crop has long 
been known. The ease with which it can be grown and its great 
value as a forage plant and as a fertilizer, have given it a prominent 
place in Southern agriculture. It belongs to the leguminous or 
pulse family and is commonly known as a pea. 

The letter following, from the Hon. H. M, Polk, of Hardeniaa 
county, Tennessee, to Col. J, B. Killebrew, Commissioner of Agri- 
culture for that State, is so thorough and exhaustive on the subject 
of the pea crop, that nothing more need be said. We will here 
state, that we are indebted to Col. Killebrew's able work, tlie grass- 
es of Tennessee for most of these articles, on grasses and forage 
plants suitable for Mississippi. 

Pea — (Pisum Sativum.) 

BoLivAK, Hardeman County, Tenn. 
Commissioner J. B. Killebrew : 

I will not stop to demonstrate what is manifest to all that the 
South, from lier sparse population, !ier wide-spread plantations, her 
adaptation to, and her predilection for the cultivation of certain of 
our great Southern staples, is not at this time, and may never be, 
in a condition to keep up her arable lands by animal manures alone> 
and that her only alternative is in green crops turned under for ren- 
ovatiLg and increasing the produciive capacity of her soil. 

In estiuiating the relative manurial values of green crops to 
bring up the productive capacity of our soils, we measure by the 
amount of crop prpduced in the shortest time, the elements upon 
which these crops feed, their capacity for returning plant food to 
the earth, and especially by their leaving more or less of those ele- 
ments in the soil which are necessary to the production of the suc- 
ceeding crop. Nor do we omit to estimate their several capacities 
for sending their roots deeply into the soil, thereby bringing up 
and depositing near the surface the ailment for plants which would 
otherwise remain below the reach of the roots of many of our most 
valuable cereals. For the accomplishment of these purposes no 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 183 

vegetable equals the SouUieru field pea and red clover. In them 
we find the answer to the momentous question, how, and throu,i2;h 
what means can we, in the shortest space of time, bring our lands 
up to their highest productive capacities to meet our own and the 
varied wants of society. When we reflect that all progress, civiliza- 
tion, culture, refinement, prosperit}^ and happiness of societ}' hang 
supended upon the scale which measures out the feeding capacity of 
the eartli, we begin to appreciate those vegetable productions pro- 
motive of this desired end. The trefoils and leguras the a begin to 
loom up in their grand possibilities; and the clover and the field 
pea assume an importance not dreamed of before. Without them, 
on the one hand wo must descend to meager harvest^, ]:)erishing 
stock, fast approaching sterility, hard times and general liiscontent. 
On the other, b}' their powerful aid we ascend up to pLaliful har- 
vests, fat stock with the multiplied advantages resulting therefrom 
good living, mone}' in the pursue, prosperity and contentment. 
Can the pea ami clover accomplish all this? Worked in proper ro- 
tation with other crops they most assuredl}- can. in the heathen, 
but appreciative past, when gratitude was manifested by the erec- 
tion of temples, and b}' solemn worship to those deities from whom 
temporal blessings were thought to flow, the pea and clover of the 
present day have been entwined with the wheat and fruit — crown- 
ing the brow of beneficent Ceres. Now, these mainsprings of suc- 
cessful agriculture in our favored land are but half appreciated, 
and are thrust aside by the impatient tiller of the soil for some 
other crop supposed to bring in more immediate mone}^ profits; but 
which in its continued drafts upon the fertility of the soil, must 
ond in the l)ankruptcy, as well as the ruin of its possessor. 

In a previous letter to you I stated some of the advantages 
v,-hich the field pea possessed even over its great fellow laborer, red 
clover* as a fertilizer. 

1. The pea will thrive upon land too poor to grow clover. 

2. That it will produce a heav^- and rich crop to bo returned to 
the soil in a shorter period than any vegetable fertilizer known. 

3. That two crops can be produced on the same grounds in (,)nc 
year; whereas it requires two years for clover to give a hay crop, 
and good aftermath for turning under. In this time four crops of 
peas can be made. 

4. That the pea feeds but lightly upon, and hence leaves largely 
in the soil, those particular elements necessary to a succeeding 
grain crop, and tiie pea lay, in its decay, puts l)ack largely into the 



184 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



soil those very elements required for a vigorous growth of the 
cereals. 

5. There is no crop \yhich is its equal for leaving the soil in the 
very best condition for a succeeding wheat crop. 

6. It is the only crop raised in the South so rapid in its growth 
and perfection as to be made an intervening manurial crop between 
grain cut in the spring, and grain sowed in the fall, upon the same 
ground. And this alone makes the pea invalulable to Southern 
agriculture. 

7. In our particular latitude it flourishes equally with clover ; 
and wdth two such renovators of the soil (aside from their value 
as food crops,) no portion of the earth is equally blessed. North 
of us the pea does not succeed. 

8. Its adaptability to other crops, producing in the space be- 
tween our corn rows both a provision and a fertilizing crop, v/ith 
positive benefit to the growing corn. 

9. The aid it gives in producing cheap beef, pork, milk and but- 
ter. Without the pea pork could not be produced cheaply, where 
it costs sc much to make corn. 

10. A doubled capacity for wintering stock, and with this a 
doubl}' enlarged manure htap. 

11. The large plantations of the South can only be restored by 
green crops turned under, united to a judicious system of rotation 
looking to feeding the soil. This must be aided b}^ all the manure 
manufactured on the plantation. 

12. The large addition made to humus, upon which the tilth, as 
■well as capacity of the soil for retaining moisture, so greatly de- 
pends. 

As for the cultivation of the pea, one can scarcely go amiss. 
When two crops are intended for renovating, break the land sow 
broadcast and harrow in. Or drill in rows three feet apart, and 
plow out when a few inches high. When pods begin to ripen, if 
the crop is intended for manurial purposes, plow under with large 
two horse plow, with a well sharpened rolling coulter attached, or 
with chain passing from double tree to beam of the blow to hold 
the vines down for facilitating covering. A roller passe i over the 
vines before plowing under will cssist the operation. * Caustic lime 
should be sown upon the vines before plowing under to promote 
decay and neutralize the large amount of vegetable acid covered 
into the soil. Select the pea which runs least. The vines are 
easiest covered into the soil. They are the black bunch pea, and 
tlie speckle or whipporwill pea. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 1S5 

When i)lanted in corn as a food crop, the bunch pea ripens soon- 
est ; but the Carolina Cow poa, the clay pea, or the black stock pea 
are preferable as they do not readily rot from wet weatlier, and will 
remain sound most of the winter. For early feeding of stock, 
plant whipporwili pea by itself in separate enclosuie from corn, 
where stock can be turned upon whenever desired. 

Peas are often sowed upon the stubble after small grain is har- 
vested. Flush up the ground, and sow either broadcast, or drill in 
furrow opened with shovel plow, covering with scooter furrow on 
each side. Block off or run over lightly with harrow and board 
attached. Again the}' are drilled in every fourth furrow, when 
turning over the stubble, the succeeding furrow covering the peas. 
When either of these last modes of planting is adopted, the peas 
should receive one good plowing out when the}' are from four to 
six inches high. 

When planted in corn (tlie corn should have been drilled in rows 
live feet apart), they should be stepdropped in a furrow equall}' 
distant from each corn row, and covered with scooter, with harrow 
or with block. This should be last of May or in the first ten days 
of June. The only work they receive w'hcn planted in corn, is a 
shovel or sweep furrow run around them when the corn is being 
"laid by," unless there is much grass, when it becomes necessary 
to give them light hoeing. The crop might ha said to be made 
almost without work when planted with corn ; in fact it is often so 
made by those planters who sow peas broadcast in their corn, and 
cover them with the last plowing given the corn. 

There is much diversity of opinion us to the proper treatment ot 
the vines in curing them for winter hay. And as much has been 
written upon the subject, the writer feels some diffidence in giving 
his own views. SutFice it to sa}', the great end to be attained is to 
cure the vines to the extent only of getting rid of a part of the suc- 
culent moisture in the vine, without burning up the leaves. When 
exposed to too much heat, the leaves fall very readily from the 
stems, and are lost. 

When putu[) too green and too compactly, the}' heat, and when 
fermentation of the juices in the vine and unripe pods occurs, the 
hay is seriously damaged, if not completely spoileil. Mildewed 
hay of any kind is but poor food for stock, and when eaten is only 
taken from necessity to ward o(T starvation. Some planters house 
their pea hay in open sheds, or loosely in barns, with rails so fixed 
as to prevent compacting. Otiiers stack in the o[)en air around 



186 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



poles, having limbs from two to four feet long, to keep the mass of 
vines open to the air, and cover the top with grass. 

There is diversit}' of opinion as to the proper mannei' of curing 
and preserving this hay, but there is none as to the value of this 
rich food for all stock, and especially for the milch cow in increas- 
ing the quantity and quality of her milk. 

In attempting to renovate our soils by the aid of vegetable fer- 
tilizers, we should not confine ourselves to one, but should utilize 
all which are suitable to our soil and climate. The writer has 
some sixty or seventy acres in clover, and in much of this grasses 
are sown. Orchard grass and herds grass thrive well with us, 
whilst blue grass and timothy finds a congenial home in the lime 
lands of Middle Tennessee. In no part of the State does clover 
grow better, if so well, as in West Tennessee. 

In considering the great advantages of the field pea to the agri- 
cultural interests of our people, I do not wish to be understood as 
disparaging other vegetable renovators of the soil. The field pea 
certainly possesses many advantages, such as its adaptability to 
almost any soil, and to many crops grown with it at the same time, 
and with positive, benefit to the crop grown with it on the same 
ground. Each row of corn should be flanked b}' a row of peas. 
Every spot of ground in the field too poor for corn can and will 
•produce peas. There is nothing better to be sowed in old plowed 
up broomsedge fields, and there, whilst the land is being fertilized, 
one of the best provisioned crops for stock, and the best of ha}'' for 
milch cows in winter, is produced. And a still further advantage 
possessed by this valuable legume is its unequaled capacity for, 
and its unapproachable merit as an intervening crop, (being both 
a renovating and a food crop), between small grain or root crop in 
the spring and a grain crop in the fall. Do 3'ou ask more of an}' 
vegeta])le renovator? It is more valuable than the English turnip 
crop, and this crop, by those enlightened and eminently practical 
farmers, is estimated annually at millions of pounds sterling. It 
is doubted if England could tide it over the next two years if de- 
privetl of her turnip crop. It is the foundation of her stock and 
manure production. In contrasting the Southern field pea with 
the English turnip crop we begin to perceive its immense value to 
Southern agriculture, and realize that too often, in reaching after 
the so-called money crops, we have neglected the best fertilizers, 
(as well as food crop), ever given to the agricultural world, 

H. M. Polk. 



HEALTH IN MISSISSIPPI. 



BR WILLIAM M. COMPTON, M. V. 



While the subject of health is a very important one to the mau 
■who seeks a pcrmant home for himself and his family', it can 
scarcely be supposed that, in a publication like this, we can give a 
very minute account of the diseases peculiar to this State. To the 
general inquiry, " Is it healthy ? " we unhesitatingly reply, "Yes." 
By this we do not mean to convey the impression that men, women 
and children do not get sick in Mississippi, Men get sick every, 
where, and they die evcrywlierc; whether in the frigid, temperate 
or torrid zones; whether on the land or on the sea; wliether on the 
mountain top or in the valley. 

We may sa}', in general terms, that in the vicinit\' of our water- 
courses — in the great alluvial valley of the Father of Waters, and 
in the prairie counties, at certain seasons of the A'car, many of the 
people have intermittent and remittent fevers, and other diseases 
common to malarial districts; but, as a rule, these are easily con- 
trolled, and with proper precautions, muy, to a great extent, be 
avoided. The uplands and table lands are as exempt from dis- 
ease as the most favored portion of the United States. We do 
not make these statements because they may look well in a report 
which is intended to induce immigration. We have the figures with 
which to prove what we say — that oMississippi in point of health, 
will compare favorably with any State in the Union. The mortu- 
ary statistics, as recorded in the ninth census of the United States, 
will bear witness to the truth of our statements. 

Byway of illustration, we will take at random, four States, two 
Northern and two Southern, and see how they compare. Sui)pose 
we take Illinois, ^Michigan, Alal)ama and Mississippi. We make 



188 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



two tables, oue showing the total population and the total number 
of deaths in the year 1870, as follows: 

Illinois— Total population, 2,539,891; total deaths, 1870, 33,- 
672. 

Michigan— Total population, 1,184,059 ; total deaths, 1870, 11,- 
181. 

Alabama— Total population, 990,992; total deaths, 1870, 10,- 
771. 

Mississippi— Total population, 827,921 ; total deaths, 1870, 9,- 
172. 

It will be perceived from the above, that the ratio of deaths is 
very favorable for Mississippi. Taking Illinois for illustration, 
we find, at the outset, that the population of that State is only a 
small fraction more than three times the population of Mississippi, 
whereas the number of deaths in 1870, in Illinois, is nearly four 
times the number in Mississippi. In fact, the figures show that 
while the deaths in Mississippi amount to one in ninetij of the 
population, the deaths in Illinois amount to one in seventy-Jive. 

Keeping in view the relative population of the State, the same 
ratio will be found to approximate very closely in the table, (See 
mortality statistics, page 24, of this pamphlet) which shows some 
of the principal causes of death. For further particulars, we refer 
the reader to the census report. 

In addition to the above article, from the able pen of the lats Dr. 
W. M. Compton, formerly Superintendent of the State Insane Asy- 
lum, we will state, that notwithstanding the yellow fever epidemic, 
which visited Mississippi last summer and fall, (1878,) the death 
rate is not as great as in Illinois. Oue fact was most conclusively 
demonstrated in this epidemic that this fatal disease can he kept 
away by a strict c^uarantinc. We will give one illustration : The 
city of Natchez. Although in former epidemics this city had suf- 
fered severely, yet in 1878 she escaped b}' the strict enforcement of 
a rigid quarantine. 

What was done for Natchez in 1878, can, and ought to be done, 
for every city and town in Mississippi. 



I 



FRUIT GROWING IN MlSSlSSim. 



From the Prairie Farmer. 

McCoMB City, Miss. 

As I have been on a tour in this country for several weeks, ex- 
amining its agriculti'iral condition, and its adaptability to other 
crops than that of cotton, I have thought that my observations and 
conclusions might be of some interest to j'our numerous readers. 
I shall only trouble you with a few thoughts on the culture of 
iruits. 

There are man}' varieties of fruit, that are common to the "West 
and North, that can be cultivated here with great success, viz : The 
pear does very well here, bears abundantly, and the tree is quite 
free from disease, and the fruit is said to be of the finest flavor. 
The fig grows here and bears profusel}', and for canning or drying 
are of great value. The peach here is at home ; a health}' tree and 
a sure bearer, and of the finest quality and flavor. I saw here, a 
3'ear ago, an orchard of fifty young trees, that the owner sent to 
Illinois for, and he told me that some of the peaches from his 
orchard, sold in New Orleans at a dime apiece ; but be this as it 
may, and probably not many were thus sold, yet the fact is well 
established, that this is a very fine peach countiy. Early summer 
and fall apples do very well, and winter apples might, if they could 
fmd winter in which to keep them. The winters here arc too warm 
I should think for the keeping of apples; but the apple can be 
raised in great abundance, and I have it, on good authority, that 
they have been kept until March. The testimony as to the cherry 
is somewhat contradictory. Probably the proper varieties have 
not yet been obtained. Tlie wild cherry grows in groat abundance 
and luxuriance, and I infer that some of the improved varieties 
will be found to do well; indeed,! have seen persons v/ho sa}* that 
the}' have already obtained them. Tiie strawberry grows and bears 
here to perfection. Ripe fruit was eaten here until Christmas, and 



190 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



the vines are in full bloom here now, and have been for some weeks 
past. A bed of large size here, under my window, that was 
planted last fall, are looking fine and are in bloom and bid fair for a 
large crop of early berries. Most of the gardeners sa_y that the 
currant, gooseberry and the raspberry do not do well. Yet I have 
it, on good authority, that a gentleman near this place markets a 
considerable quantit}'' of a black variety of raspberry every year; 
showing that natives do well, whilst it is the foreign alone that fail. 
The blackberr\^ grows finelj^ in the old fields, but I think has re- 
ceived little attention as a cultivated fruit. 

Here, then, is the peach, the pear, the apple, the strawberry, 
blackberry and fig, that produce here the finest specimens of their 
fruit, both in size and flavor; and the raspberry might be added, 
and, probably, the cherry soon will be, for it must be remembered 
that fruit growing is in its infancy here. The old cotton growers 
heretofore had no inclination to cultivate fruit; it suited their 
tastes much better to buy. Fruit growing still is in the hands of 
a few only. Still, cotton growers are beginning to appreciate its 
value. One remarked to me, in pointing to a few stunted 
pear trees, that they had yielded pears that v/ere ship- 
ped, by a small son of his, to New Orleans, to the amount 
one hundred dollars net, or seven dollars a tree, and 
continued: "If I had an orchard of a few acres, they would soon 
yield me a fortune." How slowly we change modes even when 
better practices are apparent. Persons who have been bred to 
fruit growing must come here to develop this great interest that 
must richly repay the undertakers. 

The inducements to Western fruit growers to establish them- 
selves here, are many and important. First, a considerable home 
market that is yet poorly supplied; fruit here is not only greatl}^ 
relished, but is greatly conducive to the health of a Southern pop- 
ulation, and, therefore, will be one of the first consequence. Sec- 
ond, fruit matures here several weeks sooner than in the North, or 
even in the West, and consequently will find there the earliest and 
best market, and for this purpose alone will ever be an interest of 
great value. The means of conveyance by rail, to j'our city, is 
direct ; thus a great distributing point, and of large consumption 
itself, is easily and quickly reached. Pardon me for neglecting to 
mention the grape in my enumeration of fruits. Of all other fruits 
it is probably most properly adapted to this latitude, and I have 
equally overlooked the plum, which grows here in quantities and 
perfection, in a wild and uncultivated state. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 191 

In conolusion, jxirmit me to contradict the old notions that were 
[)runuiigatcd in iho da3-s of slavery, that white inc:i could not 
work in this climati!. [ have conversed with numbers of men 
from the West, from your State and cit}', who have lived here for 
years, who all bear witness to its I'alsit}-. But, more, here are 
foreigners from almost every part of li^uropo, who work at all sea- 
sons with as much impunity as the colored race. And again, here 
are many ucighborhouds and families in various places, that never 
owned a slave, who have done their own work, and are to-da}' the 
most prosperous and health}' people in the South. Another great 
error is that persons from the States formerly not slave, will not be 
kindly received. This may be contradicted by the very broad fact 
that they are more desired here than any others whatever, and will 
meet the most hearty welcome. Lands can be had for from three 
to twelve dollars per acrc^ and in the most healthful situations. 

A. C. Stevenson, 

of Indiana. 



SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI. 



From the Pittsburg Gazette. 

McCoMB City, Miss. 

A visit of some weeks duration to the southern part of Missis- 
sippi, showed us many things of interest and beauty. We left the 
ice and snow of our smoky city early in March, and in a few days 
had left behind the drear winter and had advanced into the bloom 
and blossom of spring. McComb City, our destination, was soon 
reached. The climate of this Southern piney woods region is mild 
and health-giving all the year round. Garden vegetables can be 
had from the beginning to the end of the year; one gentleman 
whom we met, picked ripe strawberries from his garden on the first 
of January; another had butterbeans in the middle of December, 
Mr, Berglund, a Swede, who has been in the country twenty years, 
and who has, during that time, brought over some six hundred 
other Swedes, assured me that where they were ordinarily prudent 
in their diet, his countrymen experienced no evil effects whatever 
from the great change of climate. 

The fertility of the soil is wonderful. Not only can cotton, rice 
and sugar be raised, but also wheat, corn,* oats, grasses and fruits, 
such as pears, plums, peaches, oranges, etc. 

As fine stock can be raised in this part of the State as anywhere 
in the United States, with this great advantage, that owing to the 
mildness of the winter, it maybe kept at little or no extra expense. 
Land is also marvelously cheap; excellent virgin soil can be bought 
at from $3 to $10 per acre. The tide of immigration must soon 
turn from the West, and to one looking, for a home and a profita- 
ble investment, no fairer opportunity is offered than in Mississippi 
and in the "great South" generall3\ Indeed, this State has 
attractions for almost all classes of men; to the lover of nature, it 
presents visions of fruits and flowers, of singing birds and blos- 
soming trees, the weird witchery'' of lakes and ba^'ous covered with 
rich and ever-varying vegetation. 



RESOURCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 193 

To the invalid is offered a mild invigorating cliiuato; the rcsinu- 
ous breezes of the pine region are said to have a eurative power 
in pulmonary affections. And to the practical mone^'-making man 
it has niany charms; vast acres of most fertile soil at incredibly 
low prices ; great quantities of timber, as pine, oak, magnolia, 
walnut, cypress, hickor}*, etc.; immense water powers furnish every 
incentive to invest here. To men who will put their brains, muscles 
and money into exercise to develop the country, its possibilities arc 
vast, its rewards sure. There is no room, however, for mere adven- 
turers and speculators. 

The yield of cotton, per acre, at a very moderate estimate, is 
one-half bale, which brings $25 00; corn from 20 to GO bushels; 
sweet potatoes from one hundred and fifty to four hundred bushels; 
Irish from one hundred and fifty to two hundred bushels; rice 
fifteen bushels. 

Sheep of the finest breeds, Southdowns, Costwold, Merinos, and 
others, can be raised with almost no attention and at very little ex- 
pense. In fact, their manure will pay for all the trouble and ex- 
pense. Grasses, rye and turnips grow rapidly, and so mild is the 
climate that the sheep have pasturage all the winter and need little 
or no shelter. Sheep thrive here and increase rapid!}-. Before the 
war few planters paid an}- attention to sheep raising, and the flocks 
of those who had any sheep at all were left to care for themselves. 
Despite this carelessness, they multiplied exceedingly. The wool 
grown is a superior article. Wool grown at Canton, Mississippi, 
took the premium at the World's Fair in London. The weight of 
wool per sheep is from three and a half to eight pounds, according 
to the breed. A great advantage is a home market in Wesson, 
where the wool is converted into fine fabrics. The disease peculiar 
to other sheep raising sections of our country are almost unknown 
here. Here are inducements enough, the expense is light, the 
profits clear and sure. One most important item is, that lambs can 
be raised and ready for the Western markets three months before 
ihe}' aro born North. 

And now a few words in regard to politics. Is the Northern Re* 
publican as safe with regard to life, liberty, and the pursuit of 
happiness? Most assuredly he is. From personal observations 
and conversations with men who have gone South, and have never 
changed their political views, I answer, unreservedly that any man 
who is is in any waj"- respectable, is as safe in Mississippi as anywhero 
no matter what his views. Carpet-baagers, and mere political advcn- 
13 



f6T 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



turers, however, may expect ostracism, as thieves do with us. The 
South accepts, in a measure at least, the results of the war, and 
from self-interest, if nothing else, is laboring to promote the peace 
and general welfare of the countrj'. I know many Republicans in 
Mississippi who are admired and respected by all classes of soci- 
ety. This is true in general; that there are lawless sections, no 
one will deny. Arthur D. Murray. 



HELP THE YOUNG MEN. 



Rural Mo.s.sen.i,'er. 

The remark is not infrequently nia<le tliat many laud owners arc 
more disposed to sell their lands to foreigners than to native born; 
and this is one great reason, it is alleged, that so many of our 
landless, but worth}- and deserving 3'oung men, are leaving the 
State and going where it is easier for them to obtain a freehold. 
We cannot deny that this disposition exists, and the reason for it 
is apparent. The foreign comer is generall}'' able to make a cash 
pa^-ment in the start and the native born is not, and the jingle of 
the guinea generally' turns the scale in favor of the holder of it. 
We do not saj' that there are no bright and commendable excep- 
tions, for there are, but with too many this is doubtless the rule. 
In a word, the native born son, docs not receive the encouragement 
ou the part of the landed proprietors to v/hich his birth and his 
merits entitle him, and which is often extended to the stranger 
from a distant State or a foreign country. 

This is wrong ; most emphatically wrong. There is no risk in 
the sale of land when the seller, as he generally does, retains the 
ownership until all the purchase raonc}^ is paid ; and any man 
possessing a spark of patriotism or philanthroph}', who has lands 
to sell, ought by every reasonable means to aid and encourage the 
deserving but homeless poor around him to get them homes of their 
own. He should be willing to make every concession in his power 
— to offer them thecasiest terms that he could for the sake of saving 
ing to the State one of its native sons. Of course we do not mean that 
he ought to do this indiscriminately with all, for the truth compels 
us to say that there arc but too many young men who are un- 
worthy of such a trust, but after protecting himself by reasonable 
precautions, we think it is nu less than the duty of every citiziMi of 
property or nitans to dw what he can to encourage onv y<»ung ukmi 
and get them estiblished as permanent useful members of the 



196 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



community. If he does not, ho is guilty of a wrong to the com- 
munity and the State, as well as to himself. 

The area and resources of our State are ample for twenty times 
the present population, and a hundred years hence, without a mira- 
cle, will not find half her lands occupied. And, without the 
slightest derogation to the worthy settlors of other States or coun- 
tries who are coming here, wo would ask if the native blood and 
talent is not the best for us, and yet b}' far too scarce to wish to 
lose any of it? The energetic and adventurous men from abroad 
who, in the dark hour of the State's history, have cast in their lot 
with us deserve much praise and encouragement, and their enter- 
prise and talent, their blood and counsel, mingling with the native 
stream, will do much, very much, toward the renaissance of our 
State; but surely there is as yet no surplus of either to spare, that 
one should be encouraged at the expense of the other, or either 
neglected. 

Let then, the sons, the native born, receive all the encourage- 
ment in your power to give them. Take an interest in the young 
men around j'ou who are so unfortunate as to be unpossessed of 
land or means; counsel them when you can to be sober, industri- 
ous, and saving of their money; try to dispel the romance of travel 
and adventure if they seem to fall into the snare; and after getting 
pretty well acquainted with the character of the individual, and 
you iind hiai worth}' of encouragement, do not withhold it for fear 
you will miss a better chance with some one else, but taking him 
into your confidence, say: "Here is the land, you have the muscle 
and the will, go to work ; if you can pay for it in five or ten years 
it is yours; don't think of leaving the State, but settle down here 
where wo are all known to each other; if misfortunes overtake 
you I v;ill help 3'ou all I can, and perhaps you will be able to re- 
turn the help in kind in the course of time; T esteem you as a 
friend and wish to see 3'ou do well." 

In this way the State would gain many valuable citizens, not only 
directly but remotely, for each son would soon be looking for a lass 
to share the fortunes of his rural home, and thus the daughters as 
well as the young men, would be provided for, and every cottage 
would swarm with children who would in turn take upon them- 
selves the destinies of the State, Do not withhold help from the 
young men. 



IIESOUKCES, CONDITION AND WANTS. 



197 



COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OP COTTON CROPS. 





Bales of 


Cotton of 


County. 


Sqii. M. 


Whites. 


Blacks. 


1850-60. 


1877-78. 


.Vdains 


412 
423 
725 
720 
416 
853 
576 
593 
530 
539 
482 
674 
585 
401 
771 
588 
864 
5(;i 
745 
441 
485 

1002 
864 
825 
680 
543 

1082 
679 
531 
697 
750 
700 
()98 
601 
576 
422 
630 
503 
521 
733 

148() 
741 
618 
545 
57(; 
576 
678 
4S2 
720 


4797 
7663 
8828 
4196 


14,287 
27(i8 
5(»48 
6775 


36,000 
7110 
5720 

10,360 


10,140 
9430 


Alcorn 


Attala 

Amite 

1 )Cnton 


11,350 
8120 


I'olivar 

Calhoun 


1016 
8561 
9407 
9830 
12,526 
3300 
4073 
1763 


7816 
2010 
11,550 
10,070 
4462 
0096 
3432 
5381 


21,330 
5800 

21,150 

10,500 
7250 

21,350 
5780 

14,770 


13,570 
10,370 
14,130 
13,200 
11,370 


(^arroll 


Chickasaw 

Choctaw 


Claiborne 


14,730 


Clarke 


7500 


Coahoma 


11,450 


Clay 

Copiah 




10,218 
3106 

14,276 
3608 
1666 
• 3020 
3053 
4368 
0820 
6145 
741 
6826 
31()8 
5986 
3215 
3005 
5706 

10,819 
7051 
3678 
5401 

11,100 


10,300 
1647 

17,745 
3800 
372 
6642 
1186 
1427 

20,65!) 

13,225 

6146 

068 

1194 

4808 

10,633 
308 
7214 
7983 
6111 
3042 
3005 
4855 


15,230 
3870 

37,350 
9230 


14,650 


Covington 

DeSoto 


4720 
21,120 


Franklin 


6150 


(Ireene* 




(xronada* 


No data. 


10,550 


Harrison 






yinds 


47,500 

32,500 

17,220 

6500 


24,300 
18,030 
10,330 
10,230 


Holmes 


Issaquena 

Itawamba 


Jackson 




Jasper 


5830 
23,770 


7520 


Jefl'erson 


12,750 


Jones 




Kemper 


17,640 

12,200 

8520 

5360 

5930 

10,350 


10,320 


Lafayette 

Lauderdale 

Lawrence 


15,520 

11,230 

6720 


Leake 

Lee 


0870 
12,750 


Leflore 




Lincoln 


6022 
7840 
5800 
2562 
12,917 
8631 


4162 
23,Q22 
15,130 

1640 

i(;,5()o 

14,000 




8620 


Lowndes 


36,500 
24,350 


20,170 


iJIadison 


16,270 


Marion 




Jlarshall 


27,250 
25,350 


18,370 




15,750 


IMoiitiromory 

^csh(»i)a 




5736 
6681 
5107 
5587 
8169 


1703 
3386 

15.708 
0304 

12,585 


4050 

6150 

20,570 

15,270 

20,110 


6110 


N'owton 

Noxubi'O 


8750 
15,470 


<lktil)beha 

ranohi. 


lo,(;50 
15,760 



Vcrv little cotton mad 



198 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



Comparative Statement of Cotton Crops. — [Continued.] 











Bales op 


Cotton of 


County. 


Sqr. Miles. 


Whites. 


Blacks. 


1859-60 


1877-78 


Perry 


1116 

758 
545 
410 
790 
607 
583 
621 
720 
741 
464 
453 
690 
403 
645 

1013 
793 
670 
720 
462 

1043 


1971 
5991 
9513 
7594 
5704 
4684 
3569 
5415 
1772 
3215 
15,636 
6609 
1231 


723 
5312 
3012 
1754 
7294 
3167 
2149 
1711 
3243 
4637 
5091 

741 
4127 






Pike 

Pontotoc 


7290 
8320 


8550 
10,640 


Prentiss 


6670 


Rankin 


15,750 


10,150 


Scott 


6840 


Simpson 


3290 
4950 
10,570 
13,300 
11,230 
3150 
10,700 


4860 


Smith 


6060 


Sunflower 

Tallahatchie 

Tippah 

Tishomingo 

Tunica 


7020 
9980 
14,450 
5250 
7490 






Warren 


7907 
2161 
2570 
3526 
5581 
6202 
4884 


18,862 

12,405 
1636 

10,866 
3403 
7052 

12,305 


^1570 
35,150 


28,520 


Washington 

^Vayne 


24,500 


Wilkinson 

Winston 


24,750 

6750 

15,370 

30,620 


13,350 
^ 8150 


Yalobuslia 

Yazoo 


11,280 
18,960 








856,540 


681,85(f 



INDEX. 



TACiK. 

Address of Dr. A, C. Stevenson of Indiana 25 

Area of the State of Mississippi 3 

Agricultural Products 10 

Agyculture of Mississippi 87 

As to fertilizers and their action 91 

An inviting field for Immigration 145 

A Cotton Factory proposed 148 

A Cattle and Sheep Farm ia Alabama 1^0 

Aberdeen and surrounding countrj^ 1^8 

Analysis of the Corn Plant 87 

Analysis of the Cotton Plant 88 

Alfalfa, or Lucerne ISO 

Board of Immigration and Agriculture 14 

Butchering Sheep 12G 

Cotton production 11 

Composting Fertilizers Oi 

Correspondence on Sheep Husbandry 107 

Clover and the cultivated Grasses in Mississippi 142 

Cential 3Iississippi, Copiah, and fruits l^"^ 

Comparative statement of cotton crop 197 

Diseases and Remedies of Sheep 106 

Diseases of Sliecp in Tennessee 124 

Education in JNIississippi 10 

Exemption Laws in Mississippi 18 

Experience of a Georgian ■with shec[) 105 

Fruit growing in iNIississippi 189 

Fruits and Vegetables in Mississi[)pi 8 

Factories and Manufacturing 71 

Formula No. 1, for composting fertilizers 93 

Formula No. 2, for composting fertilizers 91 

Formula No. 3, for comi)osting lertilizors 95 

Grazing and Stock-Kaising in Mississip[)i 1'j7 

How to make Wool uniform 12<> 

Hog-raising in ^Mississippi 129 

Health in Mississippi ^^1 

Help the young men 195 



FEB 23 1905 

200 STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



PAGE, 

Immigration 12 

Immigration to the South 52 

Importance of the anal}- sis ©f Plants 89 

Information from practical farmers on Hogs 130 

Jones, Perry, Covington and other counties 68 

Japan Clover 179 

Lumber in Mississippi 9 

Lettter from Col. D, Dennett 19 

Letter from Col. D. Dennett 21 

Lowndes County, Prairie Country in Mississippi 161 

Manufacturing Statistics 4 

Mississippi As It Is 30 

Middle Mississippi 38 

Miss'ssippi Stock Breeders' Association 97 

North Mississippi 47 

Northwest Mississippi 54 

Nitrogen and Carbonic Acid ^0 

Noxubee County, etc 168 

Our Experience in South Mississippi 14 

Price of Lands in Mississippi 7 

Productions 7 

Population 14 

Phosphate of Lime 89 

Preventives of Diseases in Hogs 134 

Report of Committee of Capital Grange No. 19, on change of 

system of farming 100 

Red Clover 177 

Soil of Mississippi 4 

Stock Raising in Mississippi 9 

South Mississippi 50 

Strawberry Culture in Mississippi 64 

Slieep Husbandry in Mississippi 100 

Sheep Husbandry in Tennessee 119 

Some facts about Lime 152 

Southern Mississippi ?>^. 192 

Taxation in Mississippi 16 

The Great Mississippi Basin 65 

Tlie Pine District in Mississippi 77 

The most valuable constituents of the soil 92 

The substances a bale of cotton takes from the Soil 95 

Ticks on Sheep 120 

Tlie renovating of worn-out lands 154 

The Grasses that grow well in jMississippi 172 

Tlie Cow, or Field Pea 182 

Waterways and Railways in Mississippi 11 

Winston countv, Education, etc 150 



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